LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Parliamentary Data and Video Network

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Leader of the House whether hon. and right hon. Members will be allowed to remain remotely connected to the parliamentary network during a Dissolution of Parliament.

Peter Hain: I understand that the Information Committee will be examining Dissolution arrangements in due course.

Catering

Dennis Turner: To ask the Leader of the House pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for North-East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) on 27 November 2003, Official Report, column 129, what the change in demand for the Members' Dining Room has been since the change in sitting hours of the House.

Peter Hain: I inadvertently gave a figure of five per cent. for the increase in demand for the Members' Dining Room since the new sitting hours came into effect. The correct figure was 0.5 per cent. based on a comparison of covers served in January-October 2003 against January-October 2002. I am grateful for this opportunity to correct the record.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Census 1911

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when he plans to release the 1911 decennial population census for England and Wales.

Christopher Leslie: The 1911 census returns, now in the custody of the National Archives, are currently closed for 100 years by Lord Chancellor's Instrument no. 12 of 1966, on the grounds that the information was supplied in strict confidence. s5(2) of the Public Records Act 1958 provides for the extension of the normal 30-year closure period in such cases. The National Archives is, therefore, currently considering ways of making the 1911 census data generally available to the public at the end of the 100 year closure period.

Legal Finance

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much was spent on barristers' fees for criminal legal aid in 2002–03; and how much of this was attributable to payments to QCs.

Christopher Leslie: Spending on barristers fees in the Crown court and above during 2002–03 was £317.36 million and £1.4 million for assigned counsel in the magistrates court. £0.4 million was also paid to counsel (both assigned and unassigned) for residual work not covered under the General Criminal Contract. It is estimated that of this amount, £76 million was paid to QCs. It is not possible to give a precise figure because the type of barrister is not always recorded.

Legal Advice (Matrimonial Disputes)

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps the Legal Services Commission is taking to ensure adequate provision in Wales for legal advice in relation to matrimonial disputes.

Christopher Leslie: In order to ensure adequate provision of legal advice across Wales in all categories of law, including matrimonial disputes, the Legal Services Commission (LSC), the Legal Services Committee for Wales, and the local Community Legal Service Partnership monitor provision on a regular basis. Where gaps in provision are identified, the LSC can re-allocate the number of publicly funded legal matters which suppliers can start in any particular category of law, in order to meet priority needs. In addition, the LSC has just announced that solicitors in England and Wales can start an additional 20,000 legal matters by April 2004.

Supreme Court

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether it is his policy that the proposed Supreme Court for the UK should sit outside London on (a) an occasional and (b) a permanent basis.

Christopher Leslie: It is envisaged that the main permanent base of the Supreme Court will be in London; however, no final decision has yet been taken. That would not preclude the court sitting elsewhere in the United Kingdom from time to time when it is judged appropriate to do so.

WALES

Small Businesses

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how much money was spent by the Government on assisting small businesses in Wales in 2002–03.

Peter Hain: The Welsh Assembly Government provides financial support for small businesses. The majority of this is supplied by the WDA, which contributed more than £75 million in 2002–03. In addition UK Government supports small businesses through cost saving initiatives such as R&D tax credit, the improvement of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme and raising the audit threshold for SMEs.

Police Grant

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the Home Department about the police grant for Wales.

Don Touhig: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with colleagues about matters affecting Wales.

Higher Education

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with the Education Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales Government concerning the funding of higher education courses in England for students from Wales.

Peter Hain: Welsh students are currently eligible to apply for fee remission grants to cover tuition costs and for income contingent loans for living costs. From 2004–05, students will also be eligible for the new HE grant of up to £1,000.

Barnett Formula

Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with (a) the Treasury and (b) the National Assembly for Wales Government on the outcome of the Yvonne Watts v Bedford Health Authority case on the Treasury block grant for Wales under the Barnett formula.

Don Touhig: As the Government is appealing against the ruling in this case, it would not be appropriate for me to speculate on the final outcome of the case. However, funding for the NHS in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales, which is free to allocate resources from within the block grant as it sees fit. The Government has no current plans to review the Barnett formula which has produced fair and transparent settlements over the years.

Flooding

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about flooding in Wales.

Don Touhig: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with Assembly Secretaries about issues affecting Wales, including flooding and flood prevention measures. The Assembly has recently consulted on new flood defence management arrangements for Wales.

Police Funding

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about police funding in Wales.

Don Touhig: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with colleagues about matters affecting Wales.

Community Support Officers

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many community support officers there are in Wales.

Don Touhig: Funding has been made available for 113 Community Support Officers in Wales.
	In July I met with a group of Community Support Officers based in my own constituency who are already coming to be recognised as a valuable part of the local policing team.

Parliamentary Constituencies

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the Boundary Commission for Wales about the fifth general review of parliamentary constituencies in Wales.

Peter Hain: None.

Art Acquisition

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department has spent on the acquisition of works of art in each year since 1997, broken down by amounts spent on (a) paintings and (b) sculpture; what the single most expensive piece of art purchased by his Department since 1997 was; how much it cost; and what the total revenue raised by his Department through sales of its works of art has been since 1997.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office was established in 1999. Since then the Department has not purchased or sold any works of art. However, my office does showcase a collection of Welsh artwork loaned to both our offices in Gwydyr House and Cardiff by the Government Art Collection and National Museums and Galleries.

Big Conversation

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what visits (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department (i) have made and (ii) plan to make using public funds in connection with the Big Conversation; how many civil servants accompanied each Minister in respect of such visits; what the cost to public funds was of visits by (A) each Minister and (B) civil servants in connection with the Big Conversation; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday as Leader of the House of Commons, at column 355W.

Council Tax

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the average council tax in Wales is in 2003–04.

Peter Hain: Figures published by the National Assembly on 25 March show that the average band D council tax for 2003–04 is £837.

EU Landfill Directive

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales to ensure Wales plays its part in meeting the commitment to the EU Landfill Directive target of 25 per cent. of 1995 levels by 2010.

Don Touhig: My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with Assembly Secretaries about matters affecting Wales. In June 2002, the Assembly published a comprehensive national waste strategy for Wales: "Wise about Waste". It contains challenging targets for local authorities to increase their recycling and composting of municipal waste to 40 per cent. by 2010. The Assembly has also issued guidance to local authorities to assist the development of their own municipal waste management strategies. There has been some early and encouraging progress showing significant increases in recycling and composting: for example eight authorities have reported achieving the initial 15 per cent. target for 2003–04 by 2002–03.

EU Structural Funds

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with colleagues in the National Assembly for Wales Government on the repatriation of European funds.

Peter Hain: I have regular discussions with colleagues in the National Assembly for Wales on the future of European structural funds, and I am keeping abreast with the latest developments.

EU Structural Funds

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Treasury on the repatriation of European structural funding.

Peter Hain: I have regular discussions with the Treasury on the future of European structural funds, and I am keeping abreast with the latest developments.

Gross Domestic Product

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the Welsh gross domestic product per capita figures are since 1990.

Peter Hain: The available information is given in the following table. Gross value added (previously known as gross domestic product) is only available at the prevailing price levels in each year.
	Gross value added per capita in Wales, current basic prices:
	
		Per capita -- £
		
			  Amount 
		
		
			 1990 7,212 
			 1991 7,450 
			 1992 7,742 
			 1993 8,106 
			 1994 8,565 
			 1995 9,020 
			 1996 9,427 
			 1997(1) 9,860 
			 1998(1) 10,273 
			 1999(1) 10,593 
			 2000(1) 10,987 
			 2001(1) 11,396 
		
	
	(1) Provisional.
	Source
	Office for National Statistics, regional accounts

Job Creation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs have been created in Wales since 1997 in (a) the public and (b) the private sector.

Don Touhig: Comparing the 12 months to August 2003 with 1997, there has been an increase of 49,000 people employed in the public sector and 61,000 employed in the private sector in Wales.
	Source
	Labour Force Survey

Ministerial Visits

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many visits he has made to Bangor in his capacity as Secretary of State for Wales.

Peter Hain: I regularly visit different parts of Wales and have been to Bangor twice in my capacity as Secretary of State for Wales.

Neath Port Talbot Hospital

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the meeting he had with health officials on 7 November on the future of the Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

Peter Hain: I attended this meeting as a constituency engagement as the Member of Parliament for Neath.

Owain Glyndwr (Commemoration)

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with his colleagues in the National Assembly for Wales Government on the organisation of events to commemorate Owain Glyndwr in 2004.

Don Touhig: I have regular meetings with Assembly Secretaries on a range of issues affecting Wales.
	I understand that a number of organisations have made representations to the National Assembly about this anniversary. The assembly is considering how the event should be commemorated.

Regiments

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Welsh regiments he has visited in 2003.

Peter Hain: I recently met Brigadier Iain Cholerton prior to him taking up his new post as commander of the senior royal regiment of Wales. I also met with his predecessor. We discussed the possibility of a visit in the near future.

DEFENCE

Al Yamamah Contract

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who determines the (a) prices, (b) specifications and (c) standards of the items set out in the Al Yamamah contract; and by what procedures prices, specifications and standards are revised.

Adam Ingram: Al Yamamah is a Government-to-Government agreement. Its content and all revisions are negotiated and agreed between officials of the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabian Governments.

Al Yamamah Contract

Peter Kilfoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what liaison he has had since 3 November with the Serious Fraud Office on the allegations made by Mr. Edward Cunningham relating to the Al Yamamah programme.

Adam Ingram: None.

Bearskins

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bearskins the Army has purchased in each of the last five years; and whether these bears are (a) killed in the wild and (b) farmed for their skins.

Adam Ingram: A total of 694 bearskin caps have been procured over the last five years.
	
		
			 Calendar year Caps procured 
		
		
			 1998 54 
			 1999 166 
			 2000 232 
			 2001 63 
			 2002 179 
			 Total 694 
		
	
	The pelts used in the manufacture of bearskin caps are purchased through a licensed agent and imported under licence from Canada. We understand from manufacturers that the pelts are supplied from bears hunted as part of the quotas established under the Canadian Provinces' conservation plans.
	One bear pelt can make on average between one and two caps. A cap refurbishment programme has been in place since 2001 with the aim of reducing the requirement for new caps to a minimum. A total of 430 caps have been refurbished since this programme began.

Deepcut Barracks

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Ministry of Defence Police officers have had in the reopened police investigation of deaths at Deepcut barracks; and how many potential witnesses were canvassed and interviewed by military personnel in the investigations into the deaths of (a) Mr. Sean Benton, (b) Cheryl James, (c) Mr. Geoff Gray and (d) Mr. James Collinson.

Adam Ingram: In response to a request from Surrey Police, two Ministry of Defence Police Detective Constables were seconded to the Surrey Police team for the duration of their investigation into the Deepcut deaths. During the secondment the two officers have been at all times under the full operational control of that Force. The details of the investigations are matters for the Surrey Police.

Defence Export Services Organisation

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the (a) costs and (b) offsetting receipts of government-to-government defence export programmes are included in the administration and sales promotion expenses of the Defence Export Services Organisation staff in the central Top Level Budget.

Adam Ingram: The costs and offsetting receipts of government-to-government defence export programmes are included in the Administration and Sales Promotion expenses of the Defence Export Services Organisation staff in the Central Top Level Budget. Details of these expenses are published in Table 11 (Export of Defence Equipment) of Cmd 5912, the Government's Expenditure Plans (Ministry of Defence) 2003–04 to 2005–06.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the contracts will be awarded for the second tranche of the Eurofighter project; how much the contracts will be for; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay.

Adam Ingram: Intense work is under way involving our partner nations and industry to enable contracts for the second tranche of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to be placed as soon as possible. The cost to the United Kingdom is expected to be of the order of £5,000 million. Under the original schedule, the contracts had been due to be placed during 2003 but the programme, including the delivery of Tranche 1 aircraft, has been subject to delay. We are determined to ensure that Industry's proposals for Tranche 2 are soundly based to deliver capability to a schedule against which the Royal Air Force can plan with confidence.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the planned interchangeability of weapons between the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft ordered by the four partner nations.

Adam Ingram: It will be physically possible to fit and operate any weapon that has been integrated with Typhoon on any nation's Typhoon aircraft, although not all nations would necessarily have the airworthiness clearance and training to use any weapons. There are currently no plans for one nation to use weapons bought by another.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether gun safety indicators will be fitted to the RAF's operational Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Adam Ingram: We currently have no requirement for Typhoon to be armed with a gun. For overall armament safety there is a Remote Position Indicator for the Master Armament Safety Switch (MASS), which removes power from all the armament systems on the aircraft, and confirms to the groundcrew, before they approach the aircraft, that the MASS has been set to safe.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the speed limitations caused by the external carriage of weapons on the Eurofighter Typhoon; and whether the merits of an internal weapons bay in this respect have been assessed.

Adam Ingram: Assessments have been carried out to determine the flight limitations necessitated by the thermal effects of high-speed carriage of weapons on the Eurofighter Typhoon. The merits of an internal weapons bay were assessed during the early design phase of the aircraft. However, this arrangement was rejected because the aircraft was designed primarily for the air superiority role where the rapid availability of weapons mounted on external pylons offers greater operational advantage.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the weapons suspension points on the RAF's operational Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft will be compatible with Military Standard 1760; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: All the weapons suspension points on the RAF's operational Eurofighter Typhoon will be compatible with Military Standard 1760.

Eurofighter Typhoon

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a competition process is intended between bidders for a mid-life update to the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Typhoon's incremental acquisition strategy means that enhancements to the aircraft's capabilities will be incorporated progressively after its initial entry into service. It is too early in the Typhoon programme to consider whether a formal mid-life update for the aircraft might be needed or how it might best be achieved.

Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft Programme

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the implications are for the UK's acquisition of air tanker aircraft of the US Department of Defense's re-examination of the equivalent programme.

Adam Ingram: None.

Hawk Jet Trainer

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in finalising the contractual arrangements between his Department and BAe Systems in respect of the acquisition of Hawk 128 Advanced Jet Trainers.

Adam Ingram: Good progress has been made to date with BAE Systems. A contract for risk reduction activities is expected to be signed before the end of the year. Negotiations towards a final contract for Hawk 128 continue.

Hercules

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the C-130K Hercules airframes, giving the out-of-service dates of each.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 8 December 2003
	Based on current predictions it is expected that the RAFs Hercules C-130K fleet will be retired around the end of this decade. The out of service dates for individual aircraft have yet to be decided.

Hercules

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work is planned to upgrade the C-130K fleet; whether this will include upgrading of the wings; and what effect such upgrades will have on the out-of-service dates of each aircraft.

Adam Ingram: On current plans it is expected that the RAF's Hercules C-130K aircraft will be progressively withdrawn from service from around the end of this decade to be replaced by A400M aircraft. Consequently there is no upgrade programme for the C130K fleet. However, a small number of aircraft have had their capabilities enhanced to meet the demands of recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. This did not include upgrading of their wings.

Israel

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the supply to Israel of (a) weapons and (b) machine parts that can be used to enhance that country's (i) nuclear and (ii) biological weapons capability.

Denis MacShane: I have been asked to reply.
	As with export licence applications for all other countries, licences for the supply of strategic goods to Israel are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Export Licensing Criteria. The criteria ensure that proper consideration is taken of the risk of the goods being used for either internal repression or external aggression. The assessment includes careful consideration of the possible, as well as the stated, end-use of any equipment supplied.
	The Government would not issue an export licence that was in contravention of the criteria.

Marine Navigational Aids PFI

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when the public private partnership/private finance initiative project for the provision of MoD marine navigational aids is to be concluded; and what the cost to the Department has been;
	(2)  if he will list the parties involved in the public private partnership/private finance initiative project for the provision of MoD marine navigational aids;
	(3)  what consultation he has had with (a) the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, (b) Trinity House, (c) the Northern Lighthouse Board and (d) the Commissioners for Irish Lights regarding the public private partnership/private finance initiative contract for the provision of marine navigational aids.

Adam Ingram: The future provision of Marine Services, which includes work relating to marine navigational aids, is the subject of a PPP/PFI Acquisition programme. These services are currently provided by Serco Denholm, under a Government Owned-Contractor Operated (GOCO) arrangement and by the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS). The RMAS are currently responsible for the laying/recovery and annual maintenance of some 205 navigational buoys around the coast of the British Isles. Under current plans, the design authority for navigational buoys and the supply of related mooring materials will also be transferred to the successful bidder.
	Invitations to Negotiate have been issued to Serco Denholm Ltd and a consortium led by Babcock Naval Services Ltd. The RMAS have also been given the opportunity under the Acquisition programme to compete for a package of work similar in scope to their current portfolio. Announcement of the preferred option is planned in early 2005 with the conclusion of the PPP/PFI programme expected in Autumn 2005.
	Maintenance of MOD navigational buoys represents a small part of the future provision of Marine Services programme and it is not possible to identify separately the management costs for this aspect alone.
	Discussions took place with the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs), Non-Departrnental Public Bodies sponsored by the DfT, in 2001 to determine whether there was scope for the GLAs to take over the maintenance and upkeep of MOD UK navigational buoys. However, it was subsequently decided not to proceed as such an arrangement would provide little benefit to the MOD. No further discussions on this matter have taken place either with public or private sector bodies.

National Defence Industries Council

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the industrial members of the National Defence Industries Council; what the criteria are for their appointment; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The industry members of the National Defence Industries Council (NDIC) currently are:
	Sir Richard Evans: Chairman, Defence Industries Council and Chairman, BAE Systems plc
	Mr. Andrew Davies: Vice President Defence, Intellect
	Mr. Martin Jay: President, Society of Maritime Industries
	Sir David Lees: Chairman, GKN plc
	Mr. Nick Prest: Chairman, Defence Manufacturers Association
	Mr. Gordon Page: President, Society British Aerospace Companies
	Dr. Sally Howes: Secretary, Defence Industries Council
	Mr. Simon Frost: Chairman, Claverham Group
	Mr. Alex Dorrian: Chief Executive Officer, Thales Defence Ltd.
	Mr. Colin Green: President of Defence Aerospace, Rolls-Royce plc
	Mr. Tony Pryor: Chairman Devonport Management Ltd., and Chief Operating Officer Europe and Africa, Kellogg Brown and Root
	The NDIC is the senior body that provides a focus for regular consultation between the Ministry of Defence and industry on questions of defence supply and procurement of mutual concern, and defines areas for joint study.
	Appointment to the NDIC is at the discretion of the Secretary of State. The industry membership comprises the senior representatives of the four main trade associations, senior industrialists, representatives of the service sector and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, who are invited on an individual basis.

Qatar

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether BAE Systems sought the advice of the (a) Ministry of Defence and (b) the Defence Export Services Organisation on whether commissions for Shaik Hamad bin Jassin bin Jaber al-Thari were legitimate in connection with a defence equipment package for Qatar signed in 1996.

Adam Ingram: No evidence has been found in available records of advice being sought from the Ministry of Defence (including the Defence Export Services Organisation) on the question of commission payments in connection with a defence equipment package for Qatar signed in 1996.

Recruitment

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the armed forces recruitment budget was spent in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: The total recruiting budget for each Service in each year since 1997–98 was as follows:
	
		£ million
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 RN/RM 25.4 28.5 28.7 30.8 33.1 29.9 
			 Army 53.9 48.1 53.0 55.2 65.5 71.8 
			 RAF 27.4 30.6 27.4 28.2 29.7 31.0 
		
	
	The proportion of the recruiting budget spent by country was:
	
		Percentage
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 RN/RM   
			 England 81 81 81 80 81 81 
			 Wales 6 6 6 6 5 6 
			 Scotland 11 11 11 12 12 11 
			 Northern Ireland 2 2 2 2 2 2 
			 RAF   
			 England 27 25 29 29 29 29 
			 Wales 2 2 3 o J 3 3 
			 Scotland 4 4 5 5 5 5 
			 Northern Ireland 3 1 1 1 1 1 
		
	
	The remainder of the budget was taken up by National recruiting campaigns and Central costs. The Army's recruiting budget is managed centrally and cannot be broken down in the format requested.

Territorial Army (Balkans)

Howard Flight: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Territorial Army personnel are serving in the Balkans.

Ivor Caplin: As at 1 December 2003, 182 Territorial Army personnel were mobilised for service in the Balkans.

Tornado

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why new shoulder weapons pylons were not procured for the upgrade of Tornado GR1 aircraft to GR4 standard; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The shoulder weapon pylons on the Tornado GR1 were upgraded to Tornado GR4 standard as part of the Tornado GR1 mid-life upgrade programme. There was therefore no requirement to procure new shoulder weapon pylons.

Warships

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list significant (a) accidents and (b) fires on RFA Argus within the past six months.

Adam Ingram: There have been no accidents on RFA Argus in the last six months. However, the ship is currently undergoing a refit and on 2 December a small fire occurred during work on her boiler. Damage was limited to the boiler and Argus is expected to return to service, as planned, early next year.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Occupational Pensions

Tony McWalter: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what help he can offer pensioners who have lost money because the occupational schemes of their insolvent employers have been administered under the Pensions Act 1995 since 6 April 1997.

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the Government's policy is on establishing a compensation fund for payments backdated to 1997 to pension scheme members who would be entitled to final salary pensions where the scheme (a) has been wound up and (b) is being wound up where there are insufficient assets fully to meet the scheme pension liabilities;
	(2)  what proposals the Government have to make the proposed Pension Protection Fund retrospective from the introduction of the Pensions Act 1995.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have great sympathy for the pension scheme members who have suffered pension losses due to their insolvent company's scheme winding up underfunded. These cases have highlighted the need for urgent action so that their situation can be avoided in the future. This is why we are amending the priority order, introducing the Pension Protection Fund and strengthening the employer debt by introducing the full buy out provision.
	When the introduction of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) was announced on 11 June 2003, Official Report, column 683, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State stated that it would be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows, and that it would apply to the future, not retrospectively.
	Ministers have been meeting those affected by pension losses in order to understand their plight and to listen to suggestions regarding assistance ahead of the PPF's introduction. However, to provide help for those who have already lost out would raise a number of complex and difficult issues, and, as a result, Ministers have emphasised that they do not want to raise false hope in this area.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the Government's policy is in relation to the protection of pension rights on employer insolvency under Article 8 of the EU Insolvency Directive of 1980;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on how the Government has complied with Article 8 of the EU Insolvency Directive of 1980.

Malcolm Wicks: Our policy in relation to Article 8 of the EU Insolvency Directive of 1980, is to safeguard certain contributions that members pay into occupational pension schemes.
	We meet our obligations under Article 8 of the Insolvency Directive, as successive Governments have done since it was adopted in 1980. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Pensions Scheme Act 1993, the Redundancy Payments Directorate, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, makes insolvency payments from the National Insurance Fund (NIF) to qualifying former employees. The amounts payable from the NIF are subject to statutory upper limits. In addition, the Pensions Act 1995 requires salary-related schemes to meet the Minimum Funding Requirement (MFR), and provides for a statutory priority order for the distribution of a scheme's assets if a scheme, that is required to meet the MFR, winds up.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what the Government's estimate is of the number of final salary pension funds that (a) have been wound up and (b) are being wound up since the introduction of the Pensions Act 1995; and how many of those employers were (i) solvent and (ii) insolvent at the time of winding-up;
	(2)  what estimate the Government has made of the total value of pensions lost since 1997 as a consequence of final salary pension schemes that (a) have been wound up and (b) are being wound up by (i) solvent and (ii) insolvent employers;
	(3)  if he will list by (a) region and (b) constituency final salary pension schemes which (i) have been wound up and (ii) are being wound up by (A) a solvent and (B) an insolvent employer in each year since 1997.

Malcolm Wicks: The Pensions Schemes Registry (PSR), administered by the Occupational Pension Schemes Regulatory Authority (OPRA), holds information on the number of final salary schemes which are currently in the winding-up process and the number of schemes which have entered and completed winding-up. The registry database is, however, limited in a number of ways as described in the footnote. Consequently, it does not provide all the information requested, though it nevertheless remains the most comprehensive source of information available on the aggregate number of pension schemes in the UK.
	According to the PSR's most recent data, around 1,400 private sector final salary schemes were in the winding-up process at the beginning of September, and around 4,800 private sector final salary schemes have completed winding-up. The data does not permit any further analysis on whether these schemes have commenced/completed winding-up prior to 1997 or 1995.
	It is not possible to split the above by whether they are connected to a solvent or insolvent employer. No alternative data source exists to provide this information. Also, the information collected does not facilitate analysis by region or constituency. As regards estimating the value of pensions lost (due to winding-up), this is also fraught with numerous difficulties. The extent of loss depends on many different factors—such as the maturity of the scheme (that is, the age profile and retirement status of members), and the funding position before starting winding-up. The latter in turn is highly sensitive to investment decisions and conditions in the financial markets. With no information to draw on at an aggregate level, we are unable to comment on the extent of scheme under-funding and losses arising from wind-up. The PSR, as mentioned, was not designed originally for the purposes of such analysis, and therefore does not provide information on scheme funding positions and costs.
	Note:
	The Pension Schemes Registry (PSR) is not designed or intended to provide a comprehensive or continuous statistical record of the status of schemes. The PSR registers schemes for tracing purposes and collects the levy from pension schemes, including those in the process of winding-up. New scheme data are being reported to the PSR on a continuous basis. Therefore, the figures are subject to continuous revision. When a scheme has changed status, the previous status of the scheme is not recorded on the Registry. Schemes have up to 12 months to notify OPRA of any status change.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate the Government has made of the cost of paying compensation backdated to 1997 for pension scheme members who would be entitled to final salary pensions where the scheme is (a) wound up and (b) being wound up and where there were insufficient assets to fully meet the scheme pension liabilities.

Malcolm Wicks: It is not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of a compensation arrangement without a range of assumptions, including assumptions about the nature and level of compensation to be provided, the number of people covered and the degree of underfunding in their pension schemes.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the Government's policy is on the guarantee of members' future pension benefits of existing final salary pension schemes in the period before the introduction of the proposed Pension Protection Fund.

Malcolm Wicks: The Pensions Act 1995 makes provision for the payment of compensation to trust-based occupational pension schemes in cases of dishonesty. The compensation scheme should provide some help where the sponsoring employer is insolvent and the value of the scheme assets has been reduced as a result of dishonesty.
	There is legislation currently in place that provides that, when a salary-related occupational pension scheme winds up, any deficiency in the pension fund becomes a debt on the employer. The Government have issued draft regulations designed to strengthen this protection. They state that where a scheme is wound up and the sponsoring employer is solvent, the employer should ensure that there are sufficient funds in the scheme to meet the full costs of the rights accrued by scheme members, unless doing so would put the company itself at risk.
	The current legislation provides a statutory priority order for distribution of assets on wind-up. We have issued draft regulations on a revised statutory priority order that will ensure that the degree of protection offered will reflect the length of time a member has been contributing to the scheme.
	We are planning for both sets of regulations to come into force in early 2004.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the Government's policy is on protecting the accrued pension rights inherent in the value of money transferred into employer defined benefit occupational pension schemes from other schemes, to prevent loss of these sums as a consequence of employer insolvency.

Malcolm Wicks: The current legislation which applies when a defined benefit occupational pension scheme winds up does not differentiate between accrued pension rights that have been transferred into a scheme, and other accrued rights that are already in the scheme. We have no plans to alter this position.
	We have announced a package of measures to protect all members of defined benefit occupational pension schemes when their employer becomes insolvent. These include the introduction of the Pension Protection Fund and refinements to the priority order.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans the Government have to reduce the time taken to wind up final salary pension schemes.

Malcolm Wicks: In April 2002, we introduced legislation to speed up the time taken to wind up pension schemes. Trustees are required to make regular progress reports to the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra). Opra can direct that action is taken by those responsible if it considers that the winding up is being unreasonably delayed. Other people involved in running the scheme are required to tell Opra if there are no trustees so that consideration can be given to appointing a trustee. And trustees can apply to Opra for an order to modify the scheme so that it can be wound up.
	In addition, there will be proposals in the recently announced Pensions Bill for the introduction of a more hands-on role for the new Pensions Regulator which will be based on risk analysis. This approach will further facilitate the winding up of schemes and will provide welcome support for trustees.

Occupational Pensions

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what comparative studies the Government has carried out to establish how the cost of providing annuities to employer final salary schemes in wind-up can be of best value to scheme members.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have not carried out studies into the use of annuities when a final-salary scheme is in wind-up. When a pension scheme is in wind-up, its trustees seek to discharge the scheme's liabilities, using annuities to secure pensioners' incomes.

Pension Credit

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the passported benefits for (a) Guarantee Pensions Credit, (b) Savings Pension Credit and (c) Council Tax Benefit.

Malcolm Wicks: The principal passported benefits for Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and Pension Credit Savings Credit are in the following table.
	
		
			 Benefit/Scheme Administration Department Passported byPension CreditGuarantee Credit Passported byPension CreditSavings Credit alone 
		
		
			 Assisted Prison Visits England, Scotland and Wales Home Office Yes No 
			 Court Fees Exemption England and Wales Department for Constitutional Affairs Yes No 
			 Dental Treatment England, Scotland and Wales Department of Health Yes No 
			 Discretionary Grant for the Disabled England Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Yes No 
			 Discretionary Grant for the Disabled Wales Welsh Assembly Yes No 
			 Home Energy Efficiency Scheme England Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Yes Yes 
			 Home Energy Efficiency Scheme Scotland Scottish Executive Yes Yes 
			 Home Energy Efficiency Scheme Wales Welsh Assembly Yes Yes 
			 Improvement and Repair Grants Scotland Scottish Executive Yes No 
			 Milk Tokens for Pregnant partners England, Scotland and Wales Department of Health Yes No 
			 Optical Vouchers and Sight Tests England, Scotland and Wales Department of Health Yes No 
			 Seat Belts—no need to pay for medical evidence for exemption England, Scotland and Wales Department for Transport Yes No 
		
	
	Legal Aid—Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and Pension Credit Savings Credit will be disregarded in the assessment for financial eligibility for Legal Aid.
	People who qualify for a guarantee credit only or who qualify for a guarantee credit and a savings credit will generally get help through Housing Benefit towards all of their eligible rent payments, provided these are reasonable, minus deductions for any non-dependants living with them.
	People who receive only the savings credit will not be entitled to full Housing Benefit. Instead, the amount of Housing Benefit they receive will depend upon their income (including their savings credit), their personal circumstances and the amount of their eligible rent. However, the personal allowances used in the Housing Benefit calculation have been enhanced to reflect the maximum savings credit figure. This will ensure that people do not lose the gains from the savings credit in the calculation of their Housing Benefit. This enhancement will apply to all Housing Benefit claimants, aged 65 or over, irrespective of whether they are receiving the maximum savings credit or no savings credit.
	Welsh further education tuition fee remission policy is at the discretion of the Further Education College. People in receipt of Pension Credit may (subject to the other criteria) be eligible for a payment from the Social Fund.
	People in receipt of Pension Credit have access to the Social Fund subject to the criteria which apply to the different types of Social Fund payment available.

Pension Service

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners (a) have requested, (b) have received and (c) are currently on a waiting list to receive a home visit from the Pension Service local service; and what the average waiting time is before a pensioner can expect to receive a visit.

Malcolm Wicks: The Pension Service is primarily a telephony-based service delivered through a network of pension centres across the UK. However, for a variety of reasons, not all older people are able to conduct their business in this way and require either a home appointment or an appointment at a location convenient to them. These customers are referred to local service. During October 2003 (latest available statistics), 45,925 such customers were referred to local service from pension centres and 43,601 received home appointments.
	There are no 'waiting lists'. The standard for local service is that customers will be offered a convenient home or surgery appointment within 10 working days. Latest available statistics show that this standard is being met in 96.1 per cent of cases. Home visits are sometimes postponed by the customer while relevant documents are obtained or to enable a relative to be present.

Timber

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by what means the policy for purchasing timber and timber products of (a) the Department, (b) the Appeals Service, (c) the Child Support Agency, (d) JobCentre Plus and (e) the Pension Service ensures that they are obtained from legal and sustainable sources.

Maria Eagle: The Department's PFI Estates Partner—Land Securities Trillium—supplies the majority of timber products for the Department and all its executive agencies. They were made aware of the requirement to purchase timber from legal and sustainable sources in September 2000, by e-mail and during the regular progress meetings that are held between the Department and Land Securities Trillium.
	Land Securities Trillium provide an annual report to the Department, giving information on all their suppliers, the type of timber product supplied and details of all supporting verification. This report is then subject to independent verification.
	The roll out of the new Jobcentre Plus service means that there are some contracts for refurbishment of sites that are being let outside of the Department's main PFI estates contract. Details of the model contract specification were circulated to the relevant procurement team. A requirement for evidence of the sustainability of timber was included within all contracts. The Department is currently reviewing what evidence has been supplied to date.

Winter Fuel Allowance

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are being taken to encourage men aged between 60 and 65 to apply for the winter fuel allowance for the 2003–04 winter.

Malcolm Wicks: Each year, we are able to identify most men who are likely to become newly eligible for a winter fuel payment using current departmental records and they are sent claim forms automatically with an invitation to make a claim.
	An extensive publicity campaign is carried out from June each year and continues throughout the year. The campaign includes: advertisements in national and local press; a leaflet and poster made available in a variety of venues, a dedicated Winter Fuel Payment Helpline and information on the internet.
	Where a person needs to claim, it is up to them whether they do so. They have until 30 March 2004 to make their claim for this winter.

Winter Fuel Allowance

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what targets have been set for the number of men aged between 60 and 65 to apply for the 2003–04 Winter Fuel Allowance.

Malcolm Wicks: We expect all those entitled who are not paid automatically, including men aged between 60 and 64, to claim their entitlement to Winter Fuel Payments. In order to achieve full take up we issue claim forms to all those in the target group and publicise the availability of Winter Fuel Payments.
	So far 172,790 claim forms have been issued to men aged 60–64 for this winter. All those who need to claim have until 30 March 2004 to do so.
	Note:
	1. Figures rounded to the nearest five.
	2. Information to identify those likely to be entitled was extracted from the Departmental Central Index based on post codes.

Winter Fuel Allowance

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what plans he has to revise the qualifying week for winter fuel payments;
	(2)  for what reason his Department chose 21 September as the final qualifying date for the 2003–04 winter fuel payment.

Malcolm Wicks: There are no current plans to change the winter fuel payment qualifying week.
	The qualifying week is set in legislation for the third week in September to enable the Department to establish the correct amount of winter fuel payment and make automatic payments to the vast majority of those entitled at the time the payment is most needed.

Winter Fuel Allowance

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many winter fuel payment claim forms have been issued in 2003 in the Perth constituency; and how many claim forms have been submitted.

Malcolm Wicks: The number of winter fuel payment claim forms issued so far this year to people who are likely to become eligible for a winter fuel payment in the Perth constituency is 696, and of those 446 have been returned.
	We are publicising the availability of winter fuel payments and how to obtain a claim form. Those who need to claim for this winter have until 30 March 2004 to do so.
	Note:
	Information to identify those likely to be entitled was extracted from the Departmental Central Index based on postcodes.

Winter Fuel Allowance

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Winter Fuel Payment claim forms have been issued in 2003 in (a) Merseyside and (b) St. Helens; and how many claim forms have been submitted.

Malcolm Wicks: The number of Winter Fuel Payment claim forms issued so far this year to people who are likely to become eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment in Merseyside is 31,005, and of those 20,698 have been returned.
	The number of Winter Fuel Payment claim forms issued so far this year to people who are likely to become eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment in St. Helens is 2,133, and of those 1,547 have been returned.
	We are publicising the availability of Winter Fuel Payments and how to obtain a claim form. Those who need to claim for this winter have until 30 March 2004 to do so.
	Note:
	Information to identify those likely to be entitled was extracted from the Departmental Central Index based on post codes.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Central Heating

Jane Griffiths: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what regulations are in place to ensure the safe (a) installation and (b) operation of domestic central heating systems, with particular reference to preventing pollution from oil leakages;
	(2)  what quality standards apply to domestic central heating oil storage tanks in (a) metal and (b) plastic;
	(3)  how many oil-fired domestic central heating installations there are in England.

Phil Hope: Evidence from the English House Condition Survey indicates that there are around 700,000 oil fired domestic heating installations in England.
	Part J of the Building Regulations covers the pollution risks associated with the installation of domestic oil fired central heating. Ways of meeting the requirement are conveyed in Approved Document J (2002) and include compliance with BS 5410 (1997 amended 2001): Code of Practice for Oil Firing—Part 1: installations up to 45 kW output capacity for space heating and hot water supply purposes, providing secondary containment where a risk assessment indicates this is necessary, and labelling storage systems with what to do if an oil spill occurs. BS 5410 refers to BS 799 Part 5 (1987) : Specification for oil tanks for steel tanks and to the industry (OFTEC) standard OFS T100 (1995) Polyethylene oil storage tanks and bunds for distillate fuels. OFTEC has since published OFS T200 as their specification for steel tanks.
	The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, SI 2001:2954 provide minimum standards for domestic tanks where the storage capacity is in excess of 3,500 litres. There are no other regulations specifically covering the prevention of oil pollution from oil leakages arising from the operation of domestic oil fired central heating systems. However, it is a statutory offence to cause or knowingly permit the pollution of "controlled waters" (which includes ground and surface waters) under the Water Resources Act 1991.

Regeneration

David Chaytor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he has issued to English Partnerships in respect of the criteria used in determining allocations to assist housing-led regeneration schemes outside housing market pathfinder renewal areas; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: English Partnerships' remit was set out in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's "Sustainable communities: building for the future" which was published earlier this year.
	EP's priorities for expenditure include:
	The 20 per cent. most deprived wards;
	The Coalfields programme;
	Urban Regeneration Company areas;
	Housing Market Renewal Fund pathfinder areas;
	Target areas for major housing growth in the South East of England;
	Strategic brownfield sites in or close to any of the above priority areas or in areas of housing pressure or housing abandonment;
	Other discretionary projects that promote wider regeneration benefits, particularly where EP can add significant value.
	English Partnerships is represented on all regional housing boards and takes their strategies into account when making decisions on specific projects in their regions.

Local Government Reorganisation

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will amend the financial model used by the Boundary Committee in assessing the costs of reorganising local government in the three northern regions to include (a) transitional, (b) opportunity and (c) ongoing costs of change.

Nick Raynsford: No. The model used by the Boundary Committee looks at the "cost of being in business"—that is, the recurring costs that an authority must incur regardless of the level of service that it provides. Other costs and savings that will result from re-organisation are heavily dependent on the policy decisions of the elected representatives of individual councils and cannot, therefore, be used for modelling purposes without making assumptions about the decisions that will be taken by authorities that have yet to be created. The cost of being in business, being less dependent on such assumptions, provides a sounder basis on which to make comparisons.

Local Government Reorganisation

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to collect centrally the costs of any reorganisation of local government; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: It is too early to say what the cost of and potential long-term savings from reorganisation might be. It will depend ultimately on the pattern of unitary authorities introduced following referendums and on decisions that the new unitary authorities take about their organisational structure. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will discuss how any costs will be funded with local authorities and the Local Government Association nearer the time.

Housing Market Renewal

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will respond to the bids for resources from the market renewal pathfinders; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: The nine market renewal pathfinders are each required to submit a strategic scheme to outline their proposals on how they plan to spend the Housing Market Renewal fund that they are bidding for and address the issues of low demand. These schemes are assessed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in negotiation with the pathfinder and independently scrutinised by the Audit. Following successful negotiations and a satisfactory report from the Audit Commission the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will allocate a proportion of the Housing Market Renewal Fund to a scheme.
	£125 million has already been allocated to the Manchester Salford pathfinder for implementation of its scheme over the next two and a half years. Strategic schemes from two other pathfinders, Newcastle Gateshead and Merseyside, have been received and are being assessed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Audit Commission. Others are expected over the next few months.

Regional Assemblies

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to change the voting system in reorganised single tier authorities which may be established following the referendums on regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans for reorganisation to affect the voting systems in English local government.

Regional Assemblies

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received from organisations in the North West urging the Government to extend the powers and functions of the proposed regional assembly; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: Since it was announced which regions would proceed first towards referendums on 16 June 2003 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received four representations from organisations in the North West region asking the Government to extend the powers of the proposed regional assembly. In addition three individuals urged greater powers.

Right to Buy Scheme

Jon Trickett: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in what circumstances the Government will overrule a local council's decision as to a property's exemption from the right to buy scheme.

Keith Hill: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister may overrule a Council's decision in relation to the Right to Buy in only one circumstance.
	Under paragraph 11 of Schedule 5 of the Housing Act 1985, a landlord may deny a social tenant's application to buy his or her home on the grounds that the dwelling is particularly suitable for occupation by the elderly, having regard to its location, size, design, heating system and other features, and if it was let to the tenant or a predecessor in title of his for occupation by a person who was aged 60 or more (whether the tenant or a predecessor or another person). In determining whether the dwelling is particularly suitable, no regard shall be had to the presence of any feature provided by the tenant or a predecessor in title of his.
	Paragraph 11(4) provides that the question shall be determined by the Secretary of State if the tenant applies to him within the period of 56 days from notification of the landlord's decision. If on receiving such an appeal, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister considers that the property does not meet the criteria set out in paragraph 11, he can determine that the Right to Buy application should proceed. The main points on which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will normally expect to be satisfied before determining that a property is in fact particularly suitable for occupation by the elderly are set out in Department of the Environment Circular 13/93. They are that:
	there should be easy access on foot to the dwelling; access is unlikely to be regarded as easy, in an area which is not hilly, if it is necessary to climb three or more steps (in addition to the threshold) and there is no handrail
	the accommodation should be on one level
	in the case of a flat above ground floor level there should be access by lift
	there should be no more than two bedrooms
	there should be adequate arrangements for heating the living room and at least one bedroom
	the dwelling should be located reasonably conveniently for shops and public transport, having regard to the nature of the area.
	My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will also consider other features to which his attention may be drawn.

Right to Buy Scheme

Jon Trickett: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many local council decisions on exemption from the right to buy scheme he has overruled since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: Secure tenants denied the Right to Buy by their landlords under paragraph 11 of Schedule 5 of the Housing Act 1985, on the grounds that their homes are particularly suitable for occupation by elderly persons, may appeal to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. The numbers of such appeals determined since 1997 are set out in the table (the figures do not include invalid or withdrawn appeals):
	
		
			  Appeals accepted Appeals refused Totals 
		
		
			 1997 46 106 152 
			 1998 53 121 174 
			 1999 70 150 220 
			 2000 55 120 175 
			 2001 53 179 232 
			 2002 71 243 314 
			 2003 (as at 4 December) 112 303 415

Smoke Alarms

Ian Cawsey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to make smoke alarms in rented property a legal requirement.

Phil Hope: The Housing Bill 2003 provides that a local housing authority can impose as a condition for a house in multiple occupation to be licensed under Part 2, or for any house subject to selective licensing under Part 3 of the Bill, that the property is equipped with smoke alarms. Schedule 4 of the Bill provides that it is mandatory condition that where smoke alarms are installed they are properly maintained.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Anthony Steen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will respond to the Select Committee on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's recommendation that a tenancy deposit scheme should be introduced; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: The government published its response to the Select Committee on 10 November 2003.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Anthony Steen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will establish a fast track procedure to enable tenants' deposits withheld by private landlords after the termination of their contract to be speedily returned.

Keith Hill: As indicated by the government's response to the Select Committee on the Housing Bill of 10 November 2003, we are considering detailed proposals.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Modern Apprenticeships

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to encourage the take-up of apprenticeships.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 8 December 2003
	The Government are wholly behind Modern Apprenticeships as a high quality work-based learning option for young people. We are fully committed to implementing the reforms recommended by the Modern Apprenticeships Advisory Committee under Sir John Cassels, which included a major boost to the marketing of MAs, and to more recent Skills Strategy announcements. Under Sir Roy Gardner a business-led Modern Apprenticeship Task Force is taking a key role in promoting MA to employers and thereby contributing to increased take-up. We have adopted a PSA target for 2004 of 28 per cent. of young people entering a Modern Apprenticeship before the age of 22. We have made sufficient resources available to ensure that we meet this target and are on course to achieve it.

LEA Staff (Assault)

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to introduce a national incident reporting system for recording physical assaults on (a) teachers and (b) other local education authority staff.

Ivan Lewis: Employers are already required to report to the Health and Safety Executive incidents, including ones resulting from acts of physical violence, which cause injuries to staff resulting in more than three days' absence from work. Local education authorities and other employers of school staff also have their own reporting arrangements. The Government have no plans to add to these systems.

Civil Servants

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many senior civil servants in his Department are disabled expressed in actual terms and as a percentage of FTE staff.

Charles Clarke: My Department has two senior civil servants who have declared a disability. This equates to 1.3 per cent. of FTE staff.

School Exclusions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children have been excluded from (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) special schools in (i) Portsmouth, South and (ii) England in each year since 1999–2000.

Ivan Lewis: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Maintained primary, secondary and all special schools: number of permanent exclusions
		
			  1999/2000 2000/01 2001/02 
			  Number Percentage(2) Number Percentage(2) Number Percentage(2) 
		
		
			  Portsmouth, South constituency 
			 Primary(3) 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			 Secondary(3) 9 0.17 10 0.19 4 0.07 
			 Special(4) 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			 Total 9 0.07 10 0.08 4 0.03 
			  England 
			 Primary(3) 1,226 0.03 1,436 0.03 1,451 0.03 
			 Secondary(3) 6,713 0.21 7,305 0.23 7,741 0.24 
			 Special(4) 384 0.40 394 0.41 343 0.36 
			 Total 8,323 0.11 9,135 0.12 9,535 0.12 
		
	
	(2) Number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of school population.
	(3) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(4) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools.
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census

Higher Education

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the paper by the hon. Members for The Wrekin (Peter Bradley) and for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead) on the funding of higher education; and if he will publish his assessment.

Alan Johnson: I shall be writing to my hon. Friends concerning their proposal. A copy of this letter will be placed in the House Library in due course.

Higher Education

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will meet the vice chancellors of (a) South Bank University, (b) University of Glamorgan and (c) University College Wales, Newport to discuss the future of higher education.

Alan Johnson: I have frequent meetings with vice chancellors in which our proposals for the future of higher education are discussed. However, as a devolved matter, issues related to higher education institutions in Wales such as the University of Glamorgan and University College Wales are a matter for the Welsh Assembly.

Higher Education

Jeff Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many universities he expects will be in a position to offer bursaries to students from poorer backgrounds under the Government's new higher education funding proposal;
	(2)  what his estimate is of the percentage of students from poorer backgrounds who could qualify for a bursary under the new higher education funding proposals.

Alan Johnson: We are considering and discussing the contents of access agreements and the duties of the Office for Fair Access, and will make a statement in due course.

Higher Education

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what grants OFFA will be involved in distributing and on what basis; and where its funding will come from.

Alan Johnson: We have no plans for the Office for Fair Access to distribute any grants. It will be a regulatory body, not a funding body.

Higher Education

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is his policy to intervene to prevent universities charging the full top-up fee to its students.

Alan Johnson: We propose that all universities will be able to charge variable fees of up to 3,000 from academic year 2006/07, provided they have an Access Agreement approved by the Office for Fair Access.

Higher Education

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from (a) student representative bodies and (b) the university sector in Scotland on the subject of top-up fees.

Alan Johnson: My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from various stakeholders in Scotland on the subject of variable fees.

Higher Education

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what written representations he has received from the First Minister of Scotland on the subject of top-up fees.

Alan Johnson: holding answer 8 December 2003
	My right hon. Friend has had a number of discussions with the First Minister of Scotland on the subject of variable fees and other higher education issues.

Higher Education

Alan Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether he plans to link the threshold for repayment of tuition fees to (a) the cost of living and (b) average earnings.

Alan Johnson: We will set out the Government's policies on repayment thresholds for student loans in the new year in the Regulatory Impact Assessment, which will set out the financial implications of the policies announced in the Higher Education White Paper.

Higher Education

Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what consultation there has been with mature entrants to university on the impact of variable tuition fees.

Alan Johnson: The Department has received a number of representations from a variety of sources following the publication of the White Paper. We have taken steps to stimulate debate about the future of higher education among all interested groups. We want to encourage able students of all ages to take advantage of a university education. Under our proposals for variable tuition fees, every graduate would repay according to their personal financial circumstances regardless of their age.

Higher Education

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many universities have indicated their intention to waive fees for students embarking on (a) science, (b) engineering and (c) mathematics degrees; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: It will be for higher education institutions themselves to decide what level of fees they set for each of their courses from 2006/07 onwards, between £0 and £3,000. I would expect them to consider a range of factors in doing so, including the likely impact of their decisions on demand by students for their courses.

Student Loans

Alan Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of average earnings the threshold for repayment of a student loan was at (a) the time it was introduced and (b) the latest date for which figures are available.

Alan Johnson: The first point at which borrowers could be required to repay income contingent loans was April 2000. At that time the threshold of £10,000 was 44 per cent. of average earnings (£22,475 1 ). In April 2003 the threshold (£10,000) was 40 per cent. of average earnings (£25,134 1 ).
	1 As used in the setting of the repayments threshold for mortgage style student loans.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

European Insolvency Directive(Legal Action)

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's estimate is of the cost of defending the legal action that the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation and Amicus brought in relation to the implementation of Article 8 of the 1980 European Insolvency Directive.

Malcolm Wicks: I have been asked to reply.
	At such an early stage in the proceedings, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the costs of defending the action brought by ISTC and Amicus.

Audit

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with (a) UK firms and (b) representatives of the accountancy profession on the decision to raise the audit exemption threshold to £5.6 million; and if she will publish the minutes of such meetings.

Patricia Hewitt: On 11 July 2003 the Government published a consultation document on the proposal to increase the audit exemption threshold. The consultation document was sent to some 870 organisations, businesses and individuals, including UK firms and representatives of the accountancy profession. There were 90 responses of which 35 were from UK firms and 11 from bodies representing the accountancy profession. A summary of the responses is available on the Department's website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/cld/published.htm

Audit

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the change in cost to UK businesses of the reduction in the timescale for rotation of audit partners from seven to five years.

Patricia Hewitt: The regular rotation of audit partners plays an important role in upholding auditor independence. The Government welcomed the recommendation by the Coordinating Group on Audit and Accounting Issues (CGAA) last January to reduce the timescale for the rotation of the lead audit partner from seven to five years. The professional audit bodies implemented the recommendation immediately through revised guidance. They pointed out that audit firms would incur some costs in terms of familiarisation and planning (which would vary according to size of firm) in moving to the new five year cycle, but agreed with the CGAA that, as the requirements only relate to firms that are auditing listed and public interest entities, the benefits in terms of safeguarding auditor independence from the client outweighed any such transitional costs.
	Meanwhile the Auditing Practices Board have drafted a new ethical standard which formalises the reduction from seven to five years, and are currently consulting on this and other ethical standards.

Business Employment

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of businesses employing more than (a) five people, (b) 50 people, (c) 100 people and (d) 250 people in St. Helens in each year since 1992.

Ruth Kelly: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Shaun Woodward, dated 10 December 2003
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of businesses employing more than (a) five people, (b) 50 people, (c) 100 people and (d) 250 people in St. Helens in each year since 1992. (141306)
	The attached table gives the information you requested for 2003, but only the total number of businesses is available for earlier years.
	
		VAT-based enterprises in St. Helens 1992–2003
		
			   Employment size band 
			 Year Total <5 5–49 50–99 100–249 >250 
		
		
			 1992 3,055 — — — — — 
			 1993 2,985 — — — — — 
			 1994 2,820 — — — — — 
			 1995 2,815 — — — — — 
			 1996 2,730 — — — — — 
			 1997 2,755 — — — — — 
			 1998 2,790 — — — — — 
			 1999 2,780 — — — — — 
			 2000 2,775 — — — — — 
			 2001 2,750 — — — — — 
			 2002 2,715 — — — — — 
			 2003 2,675 1,765 820 40 25 20 
		
	
	Notes
	Employment size bands not published prior to 2003.
	Counts are of enterprises with main address in St. Helens.
	Counts are rounded to the nearest five to avoid disclosure.
	Source
	Size Analysis of UK Businesses (ONS)

Disadvantaged Communities

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets her Department has set for creating more enterprise in disadvantaged communities; and what progress has been made towards these targets.

Nigel Griffiths: The target is to narrow the gap between VAT registrations in the 20 per cent. most and 20 per cent. least deprived wards in England by one percentage point per year.
	The figures for the last two years for which data are available illustrate that the gap between the two VAT registration rates has narrowed and meets the target, (see Figure 1).
	
		Figure 1: VAT registrations per 10,000 resident adult population, -- English wards only
		
			  20 per cent. most deprived wards 20 per cent. least deprived wards 
		
		
			 2000 31 49 
			 2001 30 46 
		
	
	Sources:
	ONS Inter Departmental Business Register (special analysis), the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000, and population estimates from the Office for National Statistics
	Between 2000 and 2001, the gap in the rates narrowed by one percentage point and therefore progress is on track.
	Further details on this target can be found in the DTI Autumn Performance Report (ref. CM 6067), published on Friday 5 December 2003 and on the DTI website shortly.

Hunting

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate her Department has made of the (a) number of small businesses which are dependent on hunting for their survival and (b) number of jobs that would be lost in the event of a ban on hunting with hounds.

Alun Michael: I have been asked to reply.
	There are many businesses providing goods and services for the whole range of rural activities. No reliable estimate is possible of how many such businesses are so dependent on hunting that they would fail if hunting is regulated or banned. The Burns Report (paragraph 3.8) said
	"Hunting, as an economic activity, is so small as to be almost invisible in terms of national aggregates."
	The Burns Report, paragraph 3.37, Table 3.5, estimated employment dependent on hunting as the following full-time equivalents:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Direct employment by the hunts 710 
			 Direct employment by the followers 1,497 
			 Indirect employment 1,992 
			 Individual employment 1,525 
			 Total 5,724 
		
	
	Evidence subsequently presented to the public hearings held in Portcullis House suggested that Burns' estimates were too high and that the number of jobs associated with hunting was much smaller.

Insurance Liability

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had within the last year with representatives of the insurance industry on the limitations of insurability in respect of (a) nuclear issues and (b) climate change issues; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: DTI Ministers have not had any discussions with the insurance industry on the limitations of insurability in respect of climate change issues.
	With regard to insurability in respect of nuclear issues, UK nuclear operators have a statutory obligation to cover their liability by insurance. DTI officials have maintained close contact with the insurance industry over the last 12 months and are satisfied that sufficient cover is available.

Regulations (Consultation)

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of regulations introduced by the Department have been subject to a consultation period of less than 12 weeks since the introduction of the Code of Practice on Consultations.

Nigel Griffiths: The Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation came into effect on 1 January 2001. In the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002, the Department of Trade and Industry has published 133 consultations covered by the Code, of these consultations 103 lasted 12 weeks.

Renewable Energy

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the comparative costs of (a) each renewable form of electricity generation and (b) energy efficiency measures in reducing carbon dioxide emissions; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The Department has published estimates of the cost of electricity generation from a variety of forms of renewables and the comparative cost of energy efficiency measures in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. These are contained in a report published in February 2002 available at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/greenhousegas/index.shtml.
	The Performance and Innovation Unit at the Cabinet Office also published similar estimates in its 2001 Energy Review. These are available at: www. number-10.gov.uk/su/energy/l.html.
	The energy White Paper published in February 2003 committed the Government to putting the UK on a path to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent. by 2050. Improvements in energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewables in generation will both be important in achieving this objective. The White Paper sets an objective to double the recent rate of improvement in energy efficiency and an aspiration to achieve a 20 per cent. share for renewables in 2020, double the level of the Renewables Obligation set for 2010.

Renewable Energy

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the cost to public funds of wind turbine construction in the UK to 2010.

Patricia Hewitt: To date, the Government have committed £117 million to support early offshore windfarm development. No estimate has been made of the level of funding that may be needed to support future development in this area, but we expect industry to respond to the market for wind turbines created by the Renewables Obligation.
	No direct support is provided for onshore windfarm development except for some small household or community installations under the Clear Skies scheme.

Renewable Energy

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of new wind turbines which will be built in the UK by 2010.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government have set a target that 10 per cent. of electricity in the UK should come from renewable sources by 2010. However, no targets have been set for individual technologies, such as wind power. Decisions on which technologies to bring forward are left to the industry, consistent with the Government's policy of an open and competitive energy market. We expect the industry to respond to the market for renewables (including wind) created by the Renewables Obligation.
	However, it is acknowledged that electricity generated from wind turbines— both onshore and offshore—will make the largest contribution to the overall target. While we do not publish technology forecasts, it is estimated that to supply 7 to 8 per cent. of our electricity generation by wind turbines by 2010, which is what is likely to be required to achieve our 10 per cent. target, would require in the range of 3,000 to 5,000 turbines, assuming a mix of onshore and offshore devices. There are currently just over a thousand turbines within the UK.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the overall productivity of small and medium enterprises since 1997; what the gross value added per employee was in (a) SMEs and (b) large firms in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: A measure of productivity is gross value added per employee. Data on gross value added per employee are only available on a comparable basis from 1999 onwards. The latest data available are for 2001 (see Figure 1).
	
		Figure 1: Approximate Gross Value Added per employee(5), UK, 1999 to 2001
		
			  1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 SMEs 31,000 32,000 34,000 
			 Large firms 34,000 34,000 35,000 
		
	
	(5) GVA is calculated at basic prices only. Public administration, education, health, financial intermediation and real estate have been excluded. There have been slight changes to the ABFs coverage over the period.
	Source:
	SBS, based on a special analysis from the ONS Annual Business Inquiry.
	Between 1999 and 2001, the productivity of SMEs has increased at a faster rate than the productivity of large firms, and the gap in productivity has therefore narrowed. In 1999, SME productivity was 93 per cent. of large firms productivity. In 2000, it had risen to 94 per cent. By 2001, SMEs were 96 per cent. as productive as large firms.

Industrial Diseases (Solicitors' Fees)

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been paid in fees to (a) solicitors and (b) handling agents in respect of compensation for (i) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (ii) vibration white finger.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 4 December 2003
	As of 23 November 2003 the total 217 million has been paid in solicitors' costs for respiratory disease claims and 80 million for Vibration White Finger claims.
	The claim handlers, IRISC, are not made aware of the total costs paid to handling agents for processing these claims.

UK/EU Trade

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her Answer of 2 December 2003, Official Report, column 24W, if she will make a statement on the goods trade deficit with the European Union for (a) the last year for which figures are available and (b) the previous six years.

Mike O'Brien: According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics, the UK goods trade deficit with the European Union in 2002 amounted to £20.2 billion. Figures for the previous six years were as follows:
	
		UK goods trade deficit with the European Union 1996–2001
		
			  £ billion, current prices 
		
		
			 1996 -4.9 
			 1997 -4.5 
			 1998 -6.3 
			 1999 -8.4 
			 2000 -5.3 
			 2001 -11.7 
		
	
	Note:
	To some extent the deficit reflects the relative strength of the UK economy
	Source:
	Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics, ONS

TREASURY

Household Debt

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average household (a) debt per quarter and (b) monthly income was in each quarter since 2000, broken down by region.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Malcolm Bruce dated 10 December 2003
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on a regional breakdown of average household debt per quarter and household monthly income.
	There are no quarterly estimates of household debt available at regional level. However, the following table shows national estimates of average debt levels and monthly incomes for households in each year since 1997. These estimates are derived from the national accounts series for the combined household and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) sectors, and are taken from an answer to a previous written question (Official Report, 16 July 2003, column 303W).
	
		£
		
			 Year Average Household Debt (£) during year(6) Average Household Income per month(7)  
		
		
			 1997 24,500 1,950 
			 1998 26,000 2,000 
			 1999 28,000 2,100 
			 2000 30,600 2,200 
			 2001 33,500 2,350 
			 2002 37,500 2,400 
		
	
	(6) Rounded to nearest £500
	(7) Rounded to nearest £50
	ONS does not produce monthly or quarterly data for income by region. The most recent annual estimates for total household income and gross disposable household income for the countries and regions of the UK are available for 1995–1999. Figures at regional, sub-regional and local area levels (NUTS 1, 2 and 3 respectively) were published in a news release on 26 March 2002, available on the National Statistics website at: http://www. statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/reg0302.pdf

Income Tax

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average cost of collecting income tax was as a percentage of the amount collected in 2002–03; and what the average administrative cost of paying tax credits has been as a percentage of the amount paid.

Dawn Primarolo: The cost/yield ratio for collecting income tax and the cost of administering tax credits as a percentage of the amount paid will be shown in the Inland Revenue Annual Report for 2002–03, to be published shortly.

Income Tax

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide an estimate of the additional revenue that would accrue to the Exchequer annually if the top rate of income tax were 50 per cent.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer my hon. Friend to table 1.6 "Direct effects of illustrative tax changes" on the Inland Revenue website www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/tax expenditures/g t06 1.htm. The figures exclude any estimate of behavioural response to the tax change.

Lorry Road User Charge

Damian Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the proposed (a) minimum and (b) maximum toll charge is under the Lorry Road User Charge scheme;
	(2)  what the estimated (a) capital and (b) administrative cost is of the Lorry Road User Charge scheme;
	(3)  what the estimated cost to British hauliers is of the planned Lorry Road User Charge.

John Healey: The proposed rates of Lorry Road User Charge have not yet been set. We are still considering a variety of options for how the scheme might work and have yet to go to the market to invite bids, so the estimated capital and administrative costs are not yet known. The Government are committed to reducing fuel duty for those hauliers who pay the Lorry Road User Charge so that overall they will pay no more tax as a result of the introduction of the charge. In our proposals for the charge, we have the broad support of the main haulage trade associations.

Research and Development Tax Credit

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many research and development tax credit claims for the year ended 31 March 2002 are being investigated.

Dawn Primarolo: Records of the number of inquiries into corporation tax returns do not separately highlight the number of those returns which include a claim for the R&D tax credit.

Research and Development Tax Credit

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications for research and development tax credit for the year ended 31 March are awaiting a result of inquiries into those or previous applications.

Dawn Primarolo: Records of the number of inquiries into corporation tax returns do not separately highlight the number of those returns which include a claim for the R&D tax credit.

Tax Avoidance

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to propose legislation to require companies to register details of tax avoidance schemes with the Inland Revenue.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government have made no specific proposals along these lines, but will keep under consideration its overall approach for tackling tax avoidance, paying attention to the experiences of other fiscal authorities.

Tax Credits

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters, phone calls and direct contacts he has received from (a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public on the action to be taken in the case of overpayment of tax credits.

Dawn Primarolo: The records kept of written correspondence, calls received and direct contacts are not classified in a way that permits the extraction of these numbers.

Tax Credits

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claims for interim payments relating to child and working tax credit claimants have been made in each month since the tax credits were introduced; how many payments have been made; and if he will estimate the (a) average and (b) total value of these payments.

Dawn Primarolo: The number of individual same day interim payments made through local offices to claimants of child and working tax credits in each month is shown in the following table. Also shown is the number of automatic direct payments made centrally to tax credit claimants in each month.
	
		
			 2003 Number of same day interim payments made through local offices Number of automatic direct payments (million) 
		
		
			 April 25,000 8.5 
			 May 175,000 9 
			 June 75,000 9.5 
			 July 25,000 11.5 
			 August 10,000 10.5 
			 September 8,000 11 
			 October 6,000 11.5 
			 November 6,000 11 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The numbers of interim payments to July are rounded to the nearest 25,000, and for later months to the nearest thousand. The numbers of automatic direct payments are rounded to the nearest 0.5 million.
	2. No figures are available for the number of claims for interim payments that have been refused.
	It is estimated that in excess of £100 million tax credits were paid out by the end of November using the interim payments system.

VAT

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many enterprises were registered for VAT at the start of each year since 1997; and if he will list (a) the number of enterprises registering for VAT, (b) the number of businesses deregistering from VAT, (c) the number of closures involving bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings and (d) the net gain or loss in the stock of registered enterprises for (i) each year since 1997 and (ii) each month in 2003 broken down by (A) standard industrial classification and (B) region.

John Healey: HM Customs and Excise do not produce detailed statistics of VAT registrations or de-registrations or of insolvencies. The statistics requested at (a), (b) and (d) are published by the Small Business Service; the statistics requested at (c) are published by the Department of Trade and Industry. [More information is available on their respective websites at www.sbs.qov.uk and www.dti.gov.uk].

HOME DEPARTMENT

Community Punishments

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial resources have been allocated for community punishments in the current financial year; and what proportion is directed towards women offenders.

Paul Goggins: Resources are not specifically allocated to local probation areas for community punishment. The Boards receive a general allocation that they are permitted to spend on the range of activities they carry out. Financial information collected from the 42 Boards indicate that they collectively will spend about £75 million on community punishment orders in 2003–04 and a further £20 million on community punishment and rehabilitation orders. The number of women offenders in receipt of community punishment orders is estimated at about 12 per cent. of the total.

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many referrals to the Royal Courts of Justice Citizens Advice Bureau Miscarriage of Justice Project have been made by the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and what the working policies and practices of the Commission are for a referral to the project.

Paul Goggins: The Commission does not refer cases to the Royal Courts of Justice Citizens Advice Bureau. However when sending an applicant the statement of reasons, which accompanies the Commission's decision to refer his or her case to the Court of Appeal, a copy of the Royal Courts of Justice Miscarriages of Justice Project leaflet is enclosed. The provision of the Royal Courts of Justice Citizens Advice Bureau's service is also referred to in the letter, which accompanies the statement of reasons. It is then up to the individual to decide whether he or she wishes to utilise the service.

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for permission to judicially review a decision not to refer have been made against the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and of those how many (a) were refused leave by a single judge on the papers, (b) refused leave by the court at oral hearings and (c) were granted leave by either the single judge or the court.

Paul Goggins: A total of 67 applications for judicial review have been made. Of these 26 applications for permission for a judicial review have been refused by the Single Judge on the papers. These applications were not renewed. Twenty-four applications have been refused at oral hearing.
	Seven applications have been granted permission, of which one was remitted to the Commission for a further review and two await a decision.
	Six cases were concluded by the consent of the parties and four applications for permission are currently waiting for a decision by the Single Judge or on oral renewal to the full court.

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many re-applications for review of alleged wrongful conviction upon indictment have been received by the Criminal Cases Review Commission in each of the last six years; how many of those have been reinvestigated and completed; and of those how many have (a) resulted in a decision not to refer and (b) been referred.

Paul Goggins: Data are available only for the last three complete years and there have been 25, 52 and 79 re-applications in each of these years. There have been 102 re-applications in the financial year to 30 November 2003.
	One hundred and eighty-four of these re-applications have been completed; 176 of these upheld the original decision and eight re-applications have been referred to the appropriate court of appeal.

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for review of alleged wrongful convictions in Northern Ireland have been received by the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and of those how many (a) were ruled ineligible, (b) were reviewed and a decision not to refer made and (c) were reviewed and referred.

Paul Goggins: The Commission has received a total of 93 applications from Northern Ireland, of which 15 are still open, 14 were closed as ineligible, 52 were closed with a decision not to refer and 12 were referred.

Criminal Justice System (Public Confidence)

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of recent trends in public confidence in the criminal justice system in the Nottinghamshire Criminal Justice Board area; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Responses to the British Crime Survey (BCS) on confidence in Nottinghamshire indicate that confidence in bringing offenders to justice has fallen from 36 per cent. in 2001/2002 to 28 per cent. in 2002–03.
	Improving confidence in the Criminal Justice System is a key priority for both the National Criminal Justice Board and Local Criminal Justice Boards. Nottinghamshire and other Local Criminal Justice Boards have prepared action plans to address local confidence issues. These plans include actions to provide better services to victims and witness, to address the priorities of local communities and to improve communications with the public.

Identity Cards

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what period of time he proposes that identity cards should remain valid.

Beverley Hughes: We expect the validity period of the card to be 10 years.
	However, in order to ensure that the cards, which incorporate technology features such as a microchip function, are reliable, it may be necessary to replace the cards after five years.
	The costs estimates which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary set out in Command Paper 6020 were based on the assumption that this automatic replacement card would be provided free of charge.
	The scheme would also include an allowance for having a lifetime card validity period for those who have been in retirement for some time.
	Foreign nationals coming to the United Kingdom for more than three months would be issued with a card valid for up to five years depending on the conditions of their clearance. For foreign nationals granted permanent residence the validity period for their cards would be on the same basis as that for British citizens.

Identity Cards

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of introducing identity cards in the UK; and what assessment he has made of the likely benefits.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 8 December 2003
	My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 11 November that the Government have decided to begin the process of introducing a national identity cards scheme following the consultation paper published in July 2002.
	The Government are determined to ensure that the development of a national identity cards scheme is managed to the highest standards, and that the major business change and IT challenges which we face are dealt with effectively. A Programme Board has been established, chaired by the Home Office, to co-ordinate and drive forward the different elements of the identity cards scheme. Progress at every stage will be monitored and reviewed as further decisions are taken during the implementation. Before decisions are taken on implementation, there will be an intensive phase of feasibility assessment and prototyping so that decision making is soundly based and risks in the programme are kept to a minimum. Once the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has confirmed that the programme is ready to proceed, by means of an OGC Gateway Zero review, we will publish draft legislation to enable the scheme to be introduced.
	Set up costs for the first three years have been estimated at £186 million. Costs thereafter will be covered by charges. It would not be appropriate to publish more detailed information while we prepare options for procurement and implementation of the identity cards scheme. However, we are continuing to work with potential suppliers and partners to ensure estimates are accurate, realistic and deliverable.
	An identity card scheme will provide a number of benefits including to help deter and prevent illegal immigration and illegal working and to combat identity fraud enhancing our capability to counter terrorism and serious and organised crime. Identity cards will make it easier to prove entitlement to public services and faster to prove one's own identity for public or private transactions, enabling individuals to assert their identity and that they belong here as well as protecting an individual's own identity from identity fraud.

Identity Cards

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the public services for which devolved administrations have responsibility and which he envisages will be included in the compulsory card scheme.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 2 December 2003
	The powers and responsibilities of each devolved Administration are governed by the Acts of Parliament which established them and by any relevant Transfer of Functions Orders and post devolution Acts.
	It is intended that the draft Identity Cards Bill will include enabling powers so that in the future access to specified public services could be linked to the production of a valid identity card. In the case of services for which the devolved Administrations are responsible, decisions on whether the identity card should be required for access to these services would be a matter for them.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason a single Minister has responsibility for immigration, asylum and terrorism and their implications for Government policy and strategy.

Beverley Hughes: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has overall responsibility for immigration, asylum and counter-terrorism issues as part of his ministerial portfolio. On these issues, I provide in-depth support and scrutiny.
	All ministerial appointments are the responsibility of the Prime Minister.

Pornographic Websites

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legal restrictions are in place to ensure that children under the age of 18 do not have access to pornographic internet sites.

Paul Goggins: The same legal restrictions apply to the publication of pornographic material on-line as they do off-line.
	The Obscene Publications Act 1959 makes it an offence to publish any article which is considered to be obscene; that is, an article which, in the view of the court, tends to "deprave and corrupt" a person likely to see, hear or read it. The Act has been successfully applied to material published via the internet although enforcement is more difficult because the publisher or website operator is frequently based abroad and beyond UK jurisdiction. In addition, the taking, making, distribution, possession or publication of indecent photographs or pseudo photographs of children are all serious criminal offences.
	Given the nature of the internet, we believe that it is not possible to prevent children under the age of 18 having access to pornographic internet websites by legislative means. However, there are ways of reducing the risk of children accessing such material by practical measures and raising awareness.
	For example, a wide range of filtering software packages have been developed to enable schools and parents to restrict the types of websites to which their children have access. The Task Force on Child Protection on the internet, a multi-agency group which was established in March 2001, has set up a sub-group on rating and filtering, to consider how to evaluate and provide advice in the long term on filtering and other safety software products. The sub-group has made an initial report to the Task Force and will report again in due course.
	At the beginning of the year, the Task Force published a single document covering separate models of good practice aimed at providers of chat services, instant messaging and web services, including providers of adult content. We consider that these models are a significant step forward in making the internet a safer place for children. As far as we know they are unique. They are voluntary but were presented to the industry with a strong recommendation that they be used. We are confident that they will be supported, by the major service providers represented on the Task Force and by the Internet Service Providers Association. The effectiveness of the models will be evaluated.
	The Task Force has also run two successful public awareness campaigns highlighting both the huge benefits that the internet has to offer and the potential risks particularly to children of giving out personal information online.
	The Government are determined to deal with paedophile activity vigorously, and in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 we have introduced, among other child protection measures, new offences relating to a person showing a child sexual material. Section 12 makes it an offence to cause a child, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, to look at an image of a person engaging in sexual activity. It carries a maximum penalty on indictment of 10 years imprisonment.

Terrorism (Organised Crime)

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the relationship between drug crime, organised and international crime and terrorism; and what the implications are for Government policy and strategy.

Caroline Flint: We recognise that there are links between some of those involved in drugs and organised crime and terrorist groups. We have therefore introduced a range of powers to deal with this in the Terrorism Act 2000, the Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and we continue to work closely with our international partners.

Timber

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what means the policy for purchasing timber and timber products of (a) the Home Office, (b) the Assets Recovery Agency, (c) the Criminal Records Bureau, (d) the Forensic Science Service, (e) HM Prison Service, (f) the UK Passport Service and (g) the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, ensures that they are obtained from legal and sustainable sources.

Fiona Mactaggart: A Timber Procurement Bulletin was sent to all Home Office Procurement Units, Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies in June 2003. It is also available on the Home Office Intranet site. The Bulletin included model contract specification clause, promulgated by the Department for Environment, Farming, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), together with background information and contact points for further information.
	The Department, its Agencies and Non- Departmental Public Bodies have adopted the model contract clause for procuring timber and timber products to actively seek to purchase timber from legal and sustainable sources.

Victim Support

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department is taking to monitor discrepancies in referral rates to Victim Support by individual police forces.

Paul Goggins: The Home Office continues to monitor the effectiveness of the arrangements that already exist for the referral by police forces of victims to Victim Support at local level. Home Office guidance is available and there is a protocol in place between Victim Support and the Association of Chief Police Officers that sets out what information needs to be supplied. Provisions in the new Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill will, if enacted, assist with the process of data sharing between criminal justice agencies.

Victim Support

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department is taking to increase recruitment of volunteers for Victim Support, with particular reference to high crime areas.

Paul Goggins: Victim Support's 12,000 volunteers play a vital role in the delivery of support services to victims and witnesses of crime. As an independent voluntary organisation it is for Victim Support to decide the best approach to take in recruiting and deploying additional volunteers. The organisation has already put in place arrangements to improve its ability to do this. As part of its overall monitoring of Victim Support's work the Home Office will continue to discuss with Victim Support the availability of volunteers within the organisation, including those serving higher-crime areas.

Victim Support

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department expects to complete its strategy for increasing volunteering for Victim Support.

Paul Goggins: The Home Office values the work done by Victim Support's existing volunteers in delivering services to victims and witnesses of crime. As an independent voluntary organisation it is, of course, for Victim Support to determine how best to recruit and retain suitable volunteers to deliver its services. The organisation is currently updating its volunteer strategy and as part of our general monitoring of Victim Support's work we will be discussing this strategy with them. The Home Office is, of course, keen to encourage people to become more active in their communities and volunteering with Victim Support is one of the many ways in which they can do this.

HEALTH

Physical Activity Co-ordination Team

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will list the recommendations the Activity Co-ordination Team has made on a methodology to secure better evidence and data on participation;
	(2)  if he will list the (a) interventions and (b) pilot projects for which the Activity Co-ordination Team has provided funding;
	(3)  if he will list the recommendations the Activity Co-ordination Team has made to his policy of raising mass participation in sport and physical activity.

Melanie Johnson: The Activity Co-ordination Team (ACT) has been established by the Government to increase participation in physical activity and sport. The ACT is not a funding body, but in spring 2004, will provide Ministers with a delivery plan setting out recommendations to co-ordinate cross-Government initiatives to increase physical activity.
	Copies of the terms of reference for the ACT are available in the Library.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has collated on the availability of licensed treatments for ankylosing spondylitis.

Rosie Winterton: According to the records kept by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) there are currently 426 marketing authorisations granted for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Most contain Ibuprofen that is indicated for this condition.
	There is also a European Marketing Authorisation for Infliximab (Remicade) granted by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA). This is a prescription-only medicine.
	Of these products, 389 are only available through the prescription of a registered doctor. Of the others, 21 are available by a prescription or a retail pharmacy, 14 are available by prescription, retail pharmacy or general retail outlet, one is only available through a retail pharmacy and one is available by a prescription or general retail outlet.

Breastfeeding

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that jars of babyfood are labelled such that breastfeeding is encouraged for six months rather than four.

Melanie Johnson: Current European Commission legislation provides that weaning foods may be labelled as suitable for infants from four months of age. This is due to be reviewed in the new year in light of the World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution 54.2 on Infant and Child Nutrition to strengthen activities and develop new approaches to protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding for six months. The Government supported the WHA resolution and will be supporting measures to achieve this including the appropriate labelling of weaning foods.

Care Homes

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the weekly amount paid towards (a) residential homes and (b) nursing homes was in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority.

Stephen Ladyman: This information is available covering the last three years at http://www.doh.gov.uk/public/pss stat.htm and in less detail but covering five years at http://www.doh.gov.uk/paf/.

Departmental Staff

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the Department's staff by job title, broken down by board directorate.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested on job titles could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Total numbers of staff by payband in each of the Department's three new business groups is shown in the tables.
	
		Strategy and business development group
		
			  Number 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Fast Stream 28.7 
			 Payband 1 203.8 
			 Payband 2 245.5 
			 Payband 3 359 
			 Payband 4 228.6 
			 Senior Civil Service 62.7 
			 Total 1,128.3 
		
	
	
		Health and social care standards and quality business group
		
			  Number 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Fast Stream 14 
			 Payband 1 258.5 
			 Payband 2 264 
			 Payband 3 283.6 
			 Payband 4 326.6 
			 Senior Civil Service 124.9 
			 Total 1,271.6 
		
	
	
		Health and social care delivery group
		
			  Number 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Fast Stream 16 
			 Payband 1 112 
			 Payband 2 159.1 
			 Payband 3 208.4 
			 Payband 4 182.5 
			 Senior Civil Service 69.6 
			 Total 747.6 
		
	
	
		Other staff (on secondment, loan, maternity leave etc)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Fast Stream 5 
			 Payband 1 66.2 
			 Payband 2 65.9 
			 Payband 3 82 
			 Payband 4 61.6 
			 Senior Civil Service 43.3 
			 Total 324

Maternal Deaths (Mifegyne)

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many female deaths in England and Wales have been attributable to the abortion pill RU486 since 1990.

Melanie Johnson: There were eight maternal deaths associated with termination of pregnancy reported to the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths for the period 1991–99. None of these deaths were attributable to Mifegyne (also known as RU486). The data for 2000–02 are not yet available.
	The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is responsible for medicines regulation in the United Kingdom, and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) receive reports of suspected adverse drug reactions to medicinal products via the Yellow Card Scheme. Since marketing authorisation was first granted in 1991, the MHRA and CSM have received two reports of fatal suspected reactions in association with use of Mifegyne. However, the reporting of a suspected adverse drug reaction does not necessarily mean that the drug was responsible. Many factors, such as the medical condition that is being treated, other pre-existing illnesses or other medications might have contributed.

Flu Vaccine

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the take-up rates for influenza vaccine were at (a) 1 November and (b) 1 December, broken down by health authority.

Melanie Johnson: Flu vaccination uptake rates for those aged 65 years and over at 1 November 2003 by strategic health authority are shown in the table.
	Data for vaccine uptake rate as at 1 December is not yet available.
	
		
			 Strategic health authority Percentage uptake November 2002 
		
		
			 Birmingham and Black Country 52.5 
			 Shropshire and Staffordshire 59.8 
			 West Midlands South Health Authority 56.3 
			 Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland 56.5 
			 Trent 60.8 
			 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire 56.9 
			 Essex 56.2 
			 Norfolk Suffolk and Cambridgeshire 58.8 
			 South Yorkshire 58.1 
			 West Yorkshire 59.9 
			 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire 59.5 
			 Northumberland Tyne and Wear 60.6 
			 County Durham and Tees Valley 57.8 
			 Greater Manchester 55.8 
			 Cumbria and Lancashire 54.5 
			 Cheshire and Merseyside 58.9 
			 North East London 55.5 
			 North Central London 48.7 
			 South East London 46.6 
			 South West London 52.3 
			 North West London 50.2 
			 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 57.3 
			 Thames Valley 54.5 
			 Surrey and Sussex 57.2 
			 Kent and Medway 57.6 
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire 57.2 
			 South West Peninsula 54.1 
			 Dorset and Somerset 57.1

Genetically Modified Food

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what scientific advice he has received on whether children may be more susceptible to allergies and other diverse effects from eating GM food.

Melanie Johnson: To date, the Food Standards Agency is not aware of any research that has been undertaken to determine if children are more susceptible to allergies and other possible effects from eating genetically modified food.

Genetically Modified Food

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of research conducted worldwide into the effects on the health of children of consuming GM foods.

Melanie Johnson: The Food Standards Agency is not aware of any such research and has not therefore made an assessment. Each genetically modified (GM) food is only approved after a rigorous safety assessment, which is carried out on a case-by-case basis. GM foods have been consumed by millions of people in the United States over a number of years with no reports of adverse effects.

Group B Streptococcus

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on (a) the latest statistics for children born with Group B streptococcus infection and (b) his Department's current strategy for dealing with it;
	(2)  if he will make it his policy to offer all pregnant women a test for Group B streptococcus.

Stephen Ladyman: A 2001 UK surveillance study identified 376 cases of early onset group B streptococcus (GBS). Other studies have estimated that the prevalence ranges from 0.4/1,000 live births to 1.4/1,000 live births in England and Wales.
	The current position is that routine screening for GBS should not be offered to all pregnant women.
	The recently published National Institute for Clinical Excellence clinical guideline on antenatal care recommends that pregnant women should not be offered routine antenatal screening for GBS because evidence of its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remains uncertain.
	The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) is currently reviewing the position and has commissioned an assessment of the existing evidence on screening for group B streptococcus in pregnancy against criteria used to assess potential screening programmes to ensure they do more good than harm. The NSC considered a preliminary report of a workshop at its meeting this month and will consider the full report at its meeting in March 2004.

Group B Streptococcus

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether it is his Department's policy to make screening for Group B streptococcus routinely available to pregnant women in the United Kingdom.

Stephen Ladyman: The current position is that routine screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) should not be offered to all pregnant women.
	The recently published National Institute for Clinical Excellence clinical guideline on antenatal care recommends that pregnant women should not be offered routine antenatal screening for GBS because evidence of its clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness remains uncertain.
	The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) is currently reviewing the position and has commissioned an assessment of the existing evidence on screening for GBS in pregnancy against criteria used to assess potential screening programmes to ensure they do more good than harm. The NSC considered a preliminary report of a workshop at its meeting this month and will consider the full report at its meeting in March 2004.

Cytology Services

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the recent trials of liquid-based cytology; and what the timescale is for introducing this method of cervical screening across the whole NHS.

Melanie Johnson: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has appraised the use of liquid based cytology (LBC) and based on their recommendation we announced, on 22 October 2003, that LBC will be rolled out nationally across the national health service cervical screening programme.
	We expect the roll out to take up to five years, due to the retraining of all laboratory staff who read cervical screening tests and all sample takers in primary care. Strategic health authorities have been issued with advice on how best they can roll out LBC for their local populations, laboratories and primary care.

Men's Health

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by the National Health Service taking blood pressure and other health checks into the workplace to provide healthcare for hard to reach groups of men in the last year for which figures are available.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 4 December 2003
	The amount spent by the national health service from the devolved Department of Health budgets providing workplace health checks is not known centrally.

Mental Illness

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to (a) identify and (b) treat different classifications of mental illness in (i) women, (ii) people from black and ethnic minority groups and (iii) the general population in each Government Office of the Regions area.

Rosie Winterton: Information regarding the identification and treatment of mental disorder by gender and ethnicity in each locality is not available centrally.
	The national service framework for mental health, published in September 1999, set out seven evidence-based national standards for mental health, designed to improve the quality of services for everyone with mental health needs, regardless of their gender or ethnicity.
	The Government have established a new programme of work through the National Institute for Mental Health to support the development of services that ensure that individuals from black and minority ethnic communities are given fair and equitable treatment. In October, we also launched for consultation: "Delivering Race Equality: A Framework for Action". The consultation ends in January 2O04 and full guidance will be issued thereafter.
	The Government have also published this year guidance on Mainstreaming Gender and Women's Mental Health, available at www.nimhe.org.uk, which recommends ways to take action to mainstream gender and women's mental health. It will assist services in delivering gender sensitive and gender specific services.

NHS Dentistry

Greg Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in the Hyndburn constituency (a) offer NHS treatment and (b) have vacancies for NHS patients.

Melanie Johnson: The information requested is shown in the tables.
	
		Number of General Dental Service (GDS) dentists in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust—30 September 2003
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Total 44 
			 Principals 43 
			 Assistants 1 
			 VDPS — 
		
	
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board.
	
		Number of General Dental Service dentists in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust registering charge exempt adults, charge paying adults and children under 18 years for NHS treatment—4 December 2003
		
			  Number 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Registering charge paying adults for NHS treatment 4 
			 Registering charge exempt adults for NHS treatment 4 
			 Registering children under 18 years for NHS treatment 7 
		
	
	Note:
	This data has been extracted from the www.nhs.uk website. The information on this site is provided by primary care trusts' webmasters and is used by NHS Direct to advise patients on the availability of dental services in their area.
	Source:
	www.nhs.uk.

NHS Live 2004

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which Minister in his Department has responsibility for NHS Live 2004.

Rosie Winterton: My right hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Hutton), the Minister of State, Department of Health, has responsibility for NHS Live 2004.

Pharmaceutical Trade

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what inspection mechanisms are in place in the United Kingdom for short line wholesalers in the parallel pharmaceutical trade.

Rosie Winterton: Short line wholesalers distribute a limited range of medicinal products and often specialise in parallel traded pharmaceuticals known as "parallel imports". They are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and are inspected for compliance with good distribution practice at regular intervals.
	Wholesalers who assemble parallel imported products are also required to hold assembly licences granted by the MHRA and are inspected for compliance with good manufacturing practice at regular intervals.

Pharmaceutical Trade

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has had from, and what discussions he has had with, patients' groups concerning the repackaging of medicines from the parallel trade in pharmaceutical products.

Melanie Johnson: To date, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not received any representations from, nor had any discussions with, patient groups about the repackaging of medicines from the parallel trade in pharmaceuticals.
	The MHRA has received some letters from patients, patient carers and health professionals on this matter. In these cases the product labelling has been reviewed and, where appropriate, the parallel importer asked to address the concerns raised.
	In licensing parallel imports, the MHRA ensures the products comply with the appropriate regulations.

Pharmaceutical Trade

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent action he has taken to maintain safeguards for patients taking medicines emanating from short line wholesalers.

Rosie Winterton: In order to assure the quality of medicines stored and distributed by wholesalers and safeguard patients, the Inspection and Enforcement Division of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health, licences all pharmaceutical wholesalers in the United Kingdom and inspects their premises and procedures for compliance with good distribution practice.
	The same standards of licensing and inspection are applied to full-line wholesalers, who deal in the full range of medicinal products available in the United Kingdom and short-line wholesalers, who deal in a more limited range of products. MHRA inspectors in the financial year 2003–04 have, to date, inspected over 250 wholesale sites. The inspections have confirmed compliance by these wholesalers with good distribution practice. There has been no recent necessity for additional action to maintain the safeguards to patients taking medicines emanating from short-line, or full-line wholesalers.

Research

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that all public funded research is recorded and made freely available to (a) patients, (b) health professionals, (c) the public and (d) members of the scientific community.

Melanie Johnson: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 8 September 2003, Official Report, column 256W.

Stroke

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a specialist stroke service will be established in Leeds; and whether it will include (a) a rapid access neurovascular clinic, (b) an acute stroke unit, (c) a stroke rehabilitation unit and (d) community rehabilitation, including (i) voluntary support groups and (ii) intermediate care, (e) specialist community stroke teams and (f) stroke clubs.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 9 December 2003
	A specialist stroke unit will be fully established in Leeds by April 2004. It will include all the elements outlined in the question, many of which already exist in the city, with the exception of specialist community stroke teams, which will initially be on a pilot basis.

Stroke

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many stroke patients were treated in Leeds in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 9 December 2003
	The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Admissions 
		
		
			 1998–99 1,469 
			 1999–2000 1,303 
			 2000–01 1,242 
			 2001–02 1,962 
			 2002–03 2,468 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Primary Diagnosis (ICD-10 I60—I64) Selected Cerebrovascular Diseases ("Stroke")—Health Authority of Treatment QDH Leeds—Count of Finished In year Admission Episodes NHS Hospitals, England 1998–99 to 2002–03.
	2. Admissions—admissions are defined as the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.
	3. Diagnosis—the primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 2002–03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	4. Grossing—figures are grossed for both coverage and missing/invalid clinical data, except for 2001–02 and 2002–03, which are not yet adjusted for shortfalls.
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HS), Department of Health.

Stroke

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in Leeds died from strokes in the last five years for which figures are available.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 9 December 2003
	The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Deaths from strokes(8), Leeds(9)1998 to 2002(10)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1998 759 
			 1999 721 
			 2000 663 
			 2001(11) 751 
			 2002(11) 783 
		
	
	(8) Strokes defined as deaths with an underlying cause of cerebrovascular disease. These were defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes 430–438 for the years 1998 to 2000 and, for the years 2001 and 2002, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes 160–169.
	(9) Deaths of usual residents of Leeds local authority.
	(10) Figures are for deaths which occurred in each calendar year.
	(11) The introduction of ICD-10 for coding cause of death in 2001 means that data for strokes in this year and 2002 are not comparable with data for earlier years. The interpretation of international coding rules in ICD-10, compared with the rules used in ICD-9, has led to an apparent increase in the number of deaths coded to strokes of 13 per cent. for males and 9 per cent. for females. The figures should therefore be interpreted with caution. The effect of the major changes to mortality statistics in ICD-10 compared with ICD-9 were described in a report published in May 2002*.
	*Office for National Statistics. Results of the ICD-10 bridge coding study, England and Wales, 1999. "Health Statistics Quarterly" 14 (2002), 75–83.
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics.

Therapeutic Cloning

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the safety of therapeutic cloning.

Melanie Johnson: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has not yet issued any licence for human therapeutic cloning research.
	One of the aims of therapeutic cloning research will be to explore new means of deriving stem cells and tissues which may, in future, be used in treatment of serious disease. As with any cell or tissue based therapy, they will undergo comprehensive assessment of safety.

Work-related Stress

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards the creation of a central register for cases of work-related stress in the Department.

Rosie Winterton: While the Department collects data on sickness absence, which includes stress as a master code description, it is not possible to identify whether the cause of stress-related illness or anxiety was work related. It is not possible, therefore, for the Department to create a central register for cases of work-related stress.
	The Department has a number of procedures in place to help managers and staff to be aware of and to reduce work-related stress.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Olympic Bid

Nick Hawkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to liaise with the owners of the Dome about its possible use as an Olympic venue to assist the bid to host the Olympics in 2012.

Tessa Jowell: Selecting potential Olympic venues and negotiating the terms of their use is a matter for the Olympic bid company, London 2012 Ltd. I understand that the potential owners of the Dome, the Anschutz Entertainment Group, are already engaged in discussions with London 2012 Ltd.

Sport England

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will publish the Quinquennial Review of Sport England.

Richard Caborn: Stage One of the Quinquennial Review of Sport England was published and laid before the House in July 2001, and performed a useful service in demonstrating the need for the re-organisation of Sport England's funding and other activities.
	It was intended that Stage Two of the Review should include detailed re-organisation proposals. Such proposals were at an advanced stage of preparation when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit commenced its review of sports policy in the spring of 2002. The Strategy Unit's proposals for the re-organisation of Sport England formed a major part of its wider recommendations for the future of sports policy, published as Game Plan in December 2002. They continue to inform the major Sport England reform programme which is now underway, and this programme should be seen as having superseded the proposals which were under discussion during Stage Two of the Quinquennial Review.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Racism

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what level the Government will be represented at the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights-convened regional seminar of experts for Western States, Implementing the Durban Programme of Action, from 10 to 12 December.

Bill Rammell: The Government will be represented by one official from the Race Equality Unit in the Home Office and one from the Human Rights Policy Department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. These were the two departments that led on the government's preparations for the 2001 World Conference Against Racism.

Afghanistan

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his calculation is of the total opium crop in Afghanistan in each year from 1999 to the present; and what changes have taken place in the amount of land devoted to poppy cultivation since the end of hostilities in 2001.

Bill Rammell: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducts an annual survey into the level of opium poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan. It has reported levels over the past five years as follows:
	
		
			 Year Hectares Tonnes 
		
		
			 1999 91,000 4,600 
			 2000 82,000 3,300 
			 2001 8,000 185 
			 2002 74,000 3,400 
			 2003 80,000 3,600 
		
	
	The low level of cultivation and low production figure in 2001 reflect the Taliban ban on opium cultivation; the ban did not however address the underlying causes of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and was enforced with mix of threat and bribery.
	The UNODC poppy cultivation survey in 2003 has shown reductions in the traditional areas, compared to 2002, but new cultivation in some areas that have not previously been involved in poppy production. The reduction in the traditional areas demonstrates that drug control policy has been effective where the Afghan Government has been able to exert control. Production also tends to move from traditional areas to more marginal and inaccessible areas to protect crops against law enforcement activity. Increasing security and stability in Afghanistan remains key to progress in reducing opium production.

Arms Trade

Stephen Byers: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote an international arms trade treaty; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: I refer my hon. friend to the previous answer I gave the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 23 October 2003, Official Report column 654W.

Colombia

Richard Allan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reasons were given by the Colombian Government for the rates of voter abstention in (a) the Colombian referendum and (b) the municipal and departmental elections of 25 and 26 October.

Bill Rammell: The abstention rate for the Referendum was high with participation at only 20.04 per cent. Our assessment, based on discussion with Colombian election officials and international observers, is that the security situation played its part, particularly in the more remote and more conflict-ridden areas of Colombia, where despite a state security presence the participation rate was below national average. The complexity of the questions on which citizens were being asked to vote also caused a reluctance to vote.
	The elections had a better turnout of 50.49 per cent. This was about average for Colombian elections. The turnout for the Congressional elections and Presidential elections in 2002 were 42 per cent. and 50 per cent. respectively.

Foreign Office Staff (School Places)

George Foulkes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what proportion of the money his Department spent on school places for children of Foreign Office personnel was spent on the independent sector in each year since 1996; and what he estimates the proportion will be in 2003;
	(2)  what the average cost to his Department was of the school places provided for the children of Foreign Office personnel in independent and private schools in each year since 1996.

Bill Rammell: Education expenditure for children of Foreign Office personnel since 1996 has been spent almost entirely on fee-charging schools in the private and independent sector. Less than 1 per cent. in each year is spent on boarding fees for state run boarding schools.
	We do not distinguish between private and independent schools. The annual expenditure on education for children of FCO personnel since 1996 is as follows.
	
		
			 Financial year £ 
		
		
			 1995–96 10,569,861 
			 1996–97 11,669,734 
			 1997–98 10,547,169 
			 1998–99 10,477,132 
			 1999–2000 12,114,888 
			 2000–01 12,944,790 
			 2001–02 13,806,197 
			 2002–03 15,990,618

Gulf War

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the oil-for-food income was allocated to Gulf War reparations through the UN administered Compensation Fund; what amount in pounds sterling that percentage represented from (a) December 1996 to December 2000 and (b) December 2000 to 21 November 2003; and what the amount paid by Iraq in reparations was prior to December 1996.

Chris Mullin: When the "oil-for-food" scheme was launched in December 1996, the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) received 30 per cent. of the proceeds of Iraq's oil sales, allowing it to make regular compensation payments to successful claimants. This percentage was reduced to 25 per cent. pursuant to Security Council resolution 1330 (2000). On 22 May 2003 the Security Council adopted resolution 1483 (2003), which reduced the percentage of revenue from Iraqi oil sales to be paid into the Compensation Fund to 5 per cent. The total amount paid in compensation to victims of Iraq's invasion and occupation of Kuwait to date is over US$17.5 billion. The figures in pounds sterling are not readily available, nor is a breakdown of the amounts paid between the dates stated.

Bribery/Corruption

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice has been given and on what dates to UK embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts abroad about the need to report information about possible cases of international bribery and corruption by UK citizens and companies; which posts have reported cases; on how many occasions; and how many of those reports have been followed up by investigations by UK law enforcement agencies.

Denis MacShane: I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Simon Thomas) on 15 and 28 October respectively, Official Report, columns 264W and 181W. The guidance telegrams referred to there were issued in January 2002, February 2002 and March 2003. We cannot comment on individual reports received in order not to prejudice criminal investigations.

Liberia

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the status of Liberia's membership of the International Monetary Fund.

Chris Mullin: Liberia is a member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But on 5 March 2003 the IMF suspended Liberia's voting rights. Liberia was not sufficiently servicing its significant arrears and failed to address key concerns adequately, including improving transparency and management of revenue and government expenditure, addressing human rights violations and regional interference.
	Now Liberia is under new leadership we are working with key partners, including the IMF and World Bank, to help redevelop Liberia and restore its relations with the international donor community. We understand that the IMF will visit Liberia for discussions with the National Transitional Government.

North Korea

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role the UK Government is playing in the six-party talks about the future of North Korea.

Bill Rammell: The Government has no direct involvement in the six party talks process. We follow developments closely as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, as a Depositary State of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and as a member of the European Union. We are also in direct and regular contact with all the parties involved in the six party talks process, including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Sri Lanka

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Sri Lanka on the subject of religious tolerance for Christians.

Mike O'Brien: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 12 November 2003, Official Report, columns 361–62W. Officials from the British High Commission in Colombo regularly raise this and other human rights issues with the authorities—most recently with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Christian Affairs. However, I have not had discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka specifically on the subject of religious tolerance for Christians in Sri Lanka.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the peace talks in the Sudan, with specific reference to the situation in Darfur.

Chris Mullin: We are optimistic about the prospects for peace between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement. Much progress has been made since the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sponsored talks re-started in June 2002. Agreement has been reached on the key issues of self-determination for the south and the application of Sharia law. A Memorandum of Understanding on a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the peace talks was signed in October 2002, and a monitoring mechanism established. Most recently, on 25 September 2003, a framework agreement on security arrangements during the interim period was reached.
	The talks, adjourned for Ramadan, re-started in Naivasha on 1 December. Various issues still need to be resolved, notably power and wealth sharing arrangements and the three conflict areas (of Southern Blue Nile, the Nuba Mountains and Abyei). But we are hopeful that the parties will reach agreement this year or early next. We continue to offer the parties and mediators our full support and advice and remain actively involved in helping them reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
	We remain concerned about the situation in Darfur. I discussed the matter with the Sudanese Ambassador on 2 December. We are pressing the Government of Sudan to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to Darfur. This would allow a fuller assessment of the situation and enable relief agencies to provide support to the most vulnerable. And we are urging all parties to engage constructively in the Abeche peace talks. All sides should know from bitter experience that a military solution is not in prospect, and that peace and reconciliation offer the only real chance of a brighter future.

Terrorism

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom nationals were killed in terrorist attacks between (a) 1 June 2002 and 28 February 2003 and (b) 1 March 2003 and 26 November; and if he will make statement.

Denis MacShane: In the period from 1 June 2002 to 28 February 2003, 29 British nationals were victims of terrorism perpetrated by international terrorists: 28 British nationals in Bali and one British national in Riyadh. Between 1 March 2003 to 26 November 2003, 2 British nationals were killed in a bomb attack in Riyadh and 3 British nationals were killed in the bombing of the British Consulate General in Istanbul. These figures do not include British personnel killed in Iraq. We believe that international terrorists have been involved in some terrorist attacks in Iraq.

Overseas Posts (Security)

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to improve security at British high commissions and embassies following the recent terrorist attacks in Turkey.

Bill Rammell: We keep the security of all our posts under constant review. Immediately after the attack in Istanbul, all Diplomatic Missions were instructed to review their security urgently and, where appropriate, implement security enhancements. In addition, those Missions with a high level of threat sought additional protection from the host government.
	We are now carrying out a detailed assessment of the security of all Missions to identify what more might be done to enhance their security, against terrorist attack in particular

Western Sahara

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to discuss the revised Baker Plan for the western Sahara with the US Secretary of State following his return from his visit to Morocco.

Bill Rammell: None. However, we remain in regular contact with members of the United Nations Security Council at all levels on the western Sahara issue.

Western Sahara

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Government policy is on the dispute between the Moroccan Government and the non-governmental group Polisario.

Bill Rammell: The United Kingdom supports fully the efforts of the United Nations Security General and his personal envoy, James Baker III, to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the western Sahara dispute that provides for self-determination for the people of western Sahara.

TRANSPORT

Road Traffic Management

Parmjit Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to require the extension of public consultation procedures when road traffic management procedures are proposed by local authorities.

Tony McNulty: Where traffic management schemes require traffic regulation orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/2489) apply to the making of such orders. Regulation 6 sets out who an order making authority should consult in particular cases. Otherwise it is a matter for authorities as democratically elected bodies to decide whom to consult in taking schemes forward. We have no current plans to amend the 1996 procedure regulations.

Bicycle Rickshaws

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the safety rules governing the use of bicycle rickshaws used on public roads; how many bicycle rickshaws are in use in London; what licensing and insurance rules exist to enable bicycle rickshaws to carry passengers; and what safeguards exist for the general public who hail bicycle rickshaws.

Alistair Darling: Bicycle rickshaws or pedicabs must comply with the Highway Code, road traffic laws, construction and use and road vehicle lighting regulations. We believe these are sufficient as principal measures for safeguarding public safety. Licensing of pedicabs to carry passengers is the responsibility of Transport for London, who we understand are looking at the issue. The numbers of pedicabs used in London is unknown.

Bingley Relief Road

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  when the Bingley Relief Road is due to be (a) completed and (b) opened;
	(2)  whether a Government Minister will attend the opening of the Bingley Relief Road.

David Jamieson: The A650 Bingley Relief Road will open to traffic at the earliest opportunity after construction is completed and the necessary safety checks have been undertaken. I expect that the scheme should be ready to open to traffic late December/early January. Arrangements are being made for a Minister to officially dedicate the road early in the new year.

Congestion Charging

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which areas (a) have and (b) intend to have a congestion charging system.

Tony McNulty: London and Durham have road user charging schemes. Nottingham City Council is developing a work place parking levy scheme and Derbyshire County Council is looking at the options for a road user charging scheme at the Ladybower reservoir in the Peak District National Park. Although a number of other authorities have expressed interest, none has firmly committed to the development of a scheme.

M25

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost was of repairs and maintenance to (a) steel barrier systems and (b) concrete barrier systems on the M25 for the last five years for which figures are available.

Kim Howells: On the basis of information since September 2001 the figures available for the cost of repairs to the steel barriers on the M25 are:
	
		Cost of repairs
		
			   
		
		
			 September 2001August 2002 2,248 
			 September 2002August 2003 3,302 
			 September 2003To date 479,000 
		
	
	There is an annual budget of 94,000 for maintenance of steel barriers. Most repairs to the barriers are due to accident damage and where possible, costs are recovered from the drivers that are responsible for an accident.
	The concrete barriers on the M25 are designed to be maintenance free after their initial construction. There have been no major repairs required in this period due to accidents.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in the last full year for which figures are available the DVLA initiated court proceedings against people who were believed not have paid vehicle excise duty; on how many occasions the DVLA (a) withdrew proceedings and (b) lost a case in court because the vehicle keeper showed that he or she had paid VED; how much the DVLA estimates such proceedings cost the taxpayer; what steps the DVLA will take to improve its administration procedures to avoid the commencement of this type of unnecessary proceedings; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: During the year 200203, a total of 231,149 prosecutions were taken by DVLA against people who were believed not to have paid vehicle excise duty.
	Proceedings were withdrawn on 18,255 occasions and 1,303 cases were unsuccessful at court. Cases are withdrawn for a variety of reasons, but less than 1 per cent. are as a result of a licence being in force at the time.
	DVLA estimates that the cost of taking each case to court is 45 and requests this amount at every successful prosecution. Last year the agency was awarded 9.4 million in costs by the courts.
	DVLA already takes every opportunity to avoid unnecessary court action. In most cases of alleged unlicensed use of a vehicle, a letter is sent to the registered keeper offering to settle the matter out of court. This also provides the opportunity to produce evidence that vehicle excise duty has already been paid. In addition, procedures have recently been introduced to barcode the licensing transaction at Post Offices. This allows DVLA's records to be updated within three days of the application, thus reducing the risk of inappropriate enforcement action.

Driving Assessments

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to include all test centres run by the Driving Standards Agency among the places at which driving assessments recommended by the Medical Adviser to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency can be carried out.

David Jamieson: DVLA's Medical Advisers do on occasions ask drivers to undergo driving assessments in order to help determine their fitness to drive. Referrals are only made to driving assessment centres which are members of the Forum of Disabled Drivers Assessment and Mobility Centres. Such Centres are experienced at assessing drivers with medical conditions and specifically assess the impact of medical conditions upon driving behaviour and whether performance can be enhanced by either tuition or vehicle modification. For these reasons, DVLA prefers to use disability assessment centres rather than ask individuals to take a standard 'pass or fail' driving test. However, if an individual has particular problems in attending at an assessment centre, the Agency is able to refer the individual for a formal driving test with the Driving Standards Agency.

Driving Assessments

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the places where driving assessments recommended by the Medical Adviser to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency can be carried out.

David Jamieson: A list of the driving assessment centres can be found at pages 37 and 38 of the Agency's booklet At a Glance Guide to the current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive. I am arranging for copies of the booklet to be placed in the Libraries of the House. This document is also available on the internet at: www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dmedl.htm.

Fair Trade Products

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is the policy of his Department to use fair trade products, as a matter of course, in (a) sales on Departmental premises and (b) receptions and meetings involving staff and visitors.

Tony McNulty: The Department's catering contracts have required provision of Fair-Trade beverages since 1999. Fair-Trade tea and coffee is available for staff to purchase from the staff restaurant or to choose when providing hospitality catering for receptions and meetings.

Haymarket Station, Edinburgh

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he had with (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) Network Rail and (c) others regarding lift facilities at Haymarket railway station in Edinburgh.

Tony McNulty: Subject to the availability of funding, the SRA is considering how best to prioritise a programme of works to meet the accessibility requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and will be consulting on draft criteria next year. Stations that have high usage, such as Haymarket, are likely to be given priority.

Light Dues

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish the results of the Light Dues Review: Meeting the Costs of Marine Aids to Navigation consultation published in May 2002; and if he will publish the responses received.

David Jamieson: In March, in my annual statement on the level of light dues rates, I announced a programme of work to investigate issues raised within the review. We do not intend to publish a separate Government statement to the consultation paper 'Light dues Review: Meeting the Costs of Marine Aids to Navigation'.
	The responses received to the consultation paper will be published on the Department's website following the completion of the Study of the Economic Impact of Light Dues.

Light Dues

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish the results of the economic review of light dues.

David Jamieson: The report on the Study of the Economic Effect of Light Dues will be published as soon as possible following completion of the study, expected in the new year. It will be made available in hard copy and on the Department's website.

Taxis

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake a study of (a) the provision of taxi plates by local authorities outside London, (b) the availability of taxi services and (c) the speed of services to the public provided by extended granting of licences; and if he will make a statement on the report by the Office of Fair Trading on the licensed taxi industry.

Alistair Darling: We are currently considering the taxi and private hire vehicle market study report published on 11 November by the Office of Fair Trading, which was based on a range of research. We are now consulting principal stakeholders and are committed to responding to the recommendations within 120 days of the report's publication.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Home Energy Efficiency

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the companies used to supply equipment to homes under the Warm Front initiative; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Following a competitive procurement process in 2000 two companies were appointed to supply heating materials for the Warm Front scheme. Those companies are Plumb Centre and Newey and Eyre.

Air Pollution

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average air quality levels were in England in each year between 1985 and 1995.

Ben Bradshaw: Comprehensive information on concentrations of air pollutants in England between 1985 and 1995 is available from the Air Quality Archive at www.airquality.co.uk. The following table shows, for urban and rural air monitoring site sin England, the average number of days for the years between 1985 and 1995 on which levels of any one of a basket of five pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, fine particles and sulphur dioxide) were 'moderate or higher' according to the Air Pollution Information Service bandings. These data are the headline air quality indicator, one of 15 headline indicators of sustainable development.
	Data are missing for some years because there were, at that time, not enough air monitoring sites operating to provide data on all pollutants. Data for 2002 for England are available at www.sustainable-development. gov.uk/indicators/regional/2002/h10.htm and for 1987 2003 for the UK at http://www.defra.gov.uk./news/2003/030508a.htm.
	When the indicator was established in 1998, the back time series was constructed from results from an increasing set of monitoring sites as the network (particularly the urban network) was developed. Research demonstrated that the increasing number of sites used in the indicator in fact had little effect on the overall trend produced. However, caution should be taken when comparing data for the early years of the urban network, as the number of sites was much lower than present that could have resulted in a lower number of exceedences being detected. The number of urban sites increased from three in 1992 to 3540 from 1998 onwards, while the number of rural sites has remained fairly constant since it started.
	The table also shows average concentrations of black smoke and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the UK between 1985 and 1995. These two combustion-generated pollutants are also a good indicator of average air quality for the years in question.
	There is no clear trend in the average number of days of 'moderate' or 'higher' air pollution between 1985 and 1995. There is annual variability due mainly to differences in weather conditions from year to year. Data since 1995 show a long-term improvement in the number of days of 'moderate' or 'higher' air pollution as a result mainly of reduced emissions from road vehicles, electricity production and industry. There is an improving trend in average UK concentrations of black smoke and sulphur dioxide between 1985 and 1995, which have almost halved.
	
		Average air quality levels between 19851995
		
			  England air qualityheadline indicator(number of days) (Micrograms per metrecubed) 
			  Rural average Urban average UK average black smoke UK average sulphur dioxide-SO2 
		
		
			 1985   17.5 41.2 
			 1986   17.7 41.1 
			 1987 23  17.0 39.1 
			 1988 34  15.9 36.5 
			 1989 58  14.7 35.3 
			 1990 58  14.3 35.6 
			 1991 60  13.4 32.8 
			 1992 52  11.6 29.6 
			 1993 44 59 11.0 28.2 
			 1994 52 50 9.0 24.6 
			 1995 53 50 10.6 24.4

Air Pollution

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total amount of recognised carcinogens released to the air was (a) in England and (b) broken down by Government region in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: The National Atmospheric Emission Inventory (available on-line http://www.naei.org.uk/) compiles annual air pollutant emissions for the United Kingdom. The most recent year for which emissions have been calculated is 2001. Emissions of four known or probable human carcinogens are calculated: benzene, 1,3-butadiene, benzo[a]pyrene and dioxins. Table 1 shows the national annual emissions since 1997 taken from the National Atmospheric Emission Inventory.
	Emissions are generally calculated using statistics that are available on a national scale (e.g. fuel use). Inventory experts are gathering the regional information in order to undertake the complex process of calculating regional totals. So far, emissions for England have been calculated for 2001, but emissions for each Government region are not yet available.
	
		Table 1: UK emissions 1997 to 2001
		
			  Units 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Benzene kt 35.8 31.7 28.7 15.7 15.4 
			 1,3-Butadiene kt 7.3 6.4 5.9 5.1 4.5 
			 BaP t 11.2 9.7 8.6 6.7 7.2 
			 Dioxins gTEQ 471 411 395 346 341 
		
	
	
		Table 2: England emissions for 2001
		
			  Units 2001 
		
		
			 Benzene kt 11.8 
			 1,3-Butadiene kt 3.7 
			 BaP t 6.1 
			 Dioxins gTEQ 272 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. BaP = benzo[a]pyrene (a carcinogen in its own right and a marker for carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air;
	2. The term dioxin refers to a range of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran compounds. The emissions of dioxins are presented in terms of the sum of the weighted emissions expressed as gTEQs. TEQs weight the toxicity of the less toxic congeners as fractions of the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, the most toxic congener.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Department has to evaluate the impact on efficacy of culling of the use of anaesthesia in badger setts prior to lethal gassing.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department has no plans to evaluate the impact on efficacy of culling of the use of anaesthesia in badger setts prior to lethal gassing. The gassing of badgers has been discounted as a culling option because it is considered to be inhumane.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for how long mycobacterium bovis bacilli can survive in badger setts.

Ben Bradshaw: It is not known precisely how long M. bovis (the causative organism of bovine tuberculosis) may survive in badger setts. The organism is killed by exposure to ultra violet light and extremes of temperature and humidity, as well as the growth of other bacteria and fungi. The lack of light and relatively constant temperature and humidity conditions found inside a badger sett would favour the survival of M. bovis.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what predictions were made, in explanatory material made available to farmers by her Department as to the percentage of badgers which were to be killed by culling teams engaged in the Krebs trials.

Ben Bradshaw: In their first report, the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB, reported that informal estimates suggested a capture rate of up to 80 per cent. could be expected using cage traps alone. Information made available to farmers by leaflet, refers to Proactive culling as many badgers as possible from a whole area (about 80 per cent.) based, in part, on post-culling assessments of trapping efficiency. These assessments were based on field signs and are therefore largely subjective. They are, however, carried out by experienced personnel and give a useful indication of the extent of badger population reduction in proactively culled areas.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information she has collated on whether significant damage is caused by badgers to ground nesting birds.

Ben Bradshaw: Badgers are known to predate on ground nesting birds, although such predation is likely to be largely opportunistic. The impact of badger predation on bird populations has not been specifically quantified, but is not thought to significantly affect populations nationally. Locally, however, the situation may be different.
	Bird remains are typically found in about 7.5 per cent. of badger dung in the U.K., and diet studies confirm that badgers eat eggs, nestlings and adult birds. These studies are unable to distinguish between scavenged and killed birds, and do not quantify the importance of birds in the badger diet.
	Defra is currently funding research aimed at providing a scientifically vigorous assessment of the importance of badger predation for ground nesting birds. The project involves a review of current knowledge and intensive field investigations to assess to extent of predation by badgers. The project, which is being undertaken by the Central Science Laboratory, will report its findings in March 2005.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the welfare implications are for badgers infected with TB; at what stage in the disease they suffer; and how long that suffering can last.

Ben Bradshaw: In a study by the Central Science Laboratory and Veterinary Laboratories Agency, TB as a cause of death accounted for less than 7 per cent. of badgers found dead. It is difficult to make objective assessment of whether these animals suffer. Typically, individuals may live for many months or even years while infected, showing no overt signs of clinical illness and maintaining normal body weights. Infected female badgers often give birth and successfully rear litters. However, post mortem findings where advanced pathological changes have occurred, particularly in the lungs, indicate that during the final stages of disease there would undoubtedly be an effect on the quality of life of such an animal. This stage is thought to last for a few weeks at most.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times in each of the reactive areas of the randomised badger culling trials badger clearances were carried out.

Ben Bradshaw: For each of the 10 reactive treatment areas the number of individual clearance operations is detailed in the following table.
	
		
			 Reactive trial area Number of reactive operations completed(12) 
		
		
			 A1 10 
			 B1 10 
			 C1 20 
			 D1 4 
			 E1 (13)10 
			 F3 10 
			 G1 7 
			 H1 4 
			 11 3 
			 J2 0 
		
	
	(12) Individual reactive operations vary in the extent of the geographical area involved and the number of herd notifications for reactive culling included
	(13) Includes an operation halfway through the culling period at the time of suspension of reactive culling on 4 November 2003.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on (a) the adequacy of the resources allocated to the reactive cull component of the Government's randomised badger culling trials and (b) the adequacy of the number of personnel allocated, with particular reference to clerical personnel with sufficient skills, training and experience.

Ben Bradshaw: The information requested is as follows.
	(a) It has at times been difficult for MAFF/Defra to carry out reactive culling in response to a herd breakdown as quickly as the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG) anticipated its First Report. Resource limitations, including difficulties inherent in the recruitment and retention of appropriately skilled staff, have played a part. Difficulties became apparent in 2002 when, in effect, the impact of the suspension of TB testing in 2001 due to foot and mouth disease meant that two years1 worth of breakdown notifications required reactive culling, alongside the servicing of culling in the proactive areas. Defra has worked hard since FMD to meet the ISG's expectations both in terms of the time between breakdown and culling, and the number of operations completed. The ISG has helped by making some pragmatic decisions by assisting with priorities and by setting realistic, yet challenging, targets which Defra has either met or exceeded.
	(b) It is considered that the level of clerical or administrative support has been adequate and not had any a diverse impact on the fieldwork for the Randomised Badger Culling Trial.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how long a reactive culling area must be maintained for statistically valid data to be obtained from the trial in that area.

Ben Bradshaw: As set out in the Second Report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISO), the design of the trial is based on accumulating a maximum of 50 triplet years of data to provide a probability exceeding 90 per cent. of detecting a 20 per cent. effect. The ISO committed itself at the outset, to carry out an initial analysis of the data once 100 new breakdowns had been accumulated in trial areas, and to repeat the analysis at six-month intervals.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many reactive culling areas were designated during the randomised badger culling trials; and what the dates were on which the trials commenced in each area.

Ben Bradshaw: Within each of the 10 reactive treatment areas the number of individual culling areas varies from 0 to 20. I attach a table that presents the requested data clearly.
	
		
			 ReactiveTrial Area Number of reactive operations completed(14) Date of Field Operations(15) 
		
		
			 A1 10 3 July 2000 
			 B1 10 24 May 1999 
			 C1 20 15 May 2000 
			 D1 4 25 August 2003 
			 E1 (16)10 17 June 2002 
			 F3 10 29 July 2002 
			 G1 7 19 August 2002 
			 H1 4 15 January 2003 
			 11 3 16 May 2003 
			 J2 0 - 
		
	
	(14) Individual reactive operations vary in the extent of the geographical area involved and the number of herd notifications for reactive culling included
	(15) Date that traps are first set to catch badgers
	(16) Includes an operation halfway through the culling period at the time of suspension of reactive culling on 4 November 2003

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what concerns Professor Bourne has raised with her on the effect of delays in obtaining culture test results for bovine samples on management of the randomised badger culling trials.

Ben Bradshaw: Professor Bourne wrote to the then Parliamentary Secretary (Commons), Mr. Morley, on 9 May 2003 enclosing a number of reports including one reviewing the implementation of the reactive strategy in the randomised badger culling trial. This pointed out that clearance of the TB testing backlog, caused by the suspension of testing during the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak, had overwhelmed culture facilities and contributed to delays in the notification of TB herd breakdowns that triggered reactive culling operations. The paper brought the concerns of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB to the Minister's attention but concentrated on advising the Department on what it could do to improve notification and reactive response times.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the projected expenditure is by her Department for the next five years on developing vaccines for protecting (a) bovine animals and (b) badgers against TB infection.

Ben Bradshaw: The content and funding for the future TB research programme is currently under discussion within the Department and is taking account of external scientific advice. TB vaccine development is likely to form an increasingly important part of the research programme.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total expenditure since 1973 by her Department and its predecessors has been on developing vaccines for protecting (a) bovine animals and (b) badgers against TB infection.

Ben Bradshaw: Work on vaccinating badgers against TB was carried out by MAFF from 1983 to 1990, but the figures for expenditure at that time are not available.
	Much of the development work involves developing candidate vaccines. This work applies equally to vaccines for cattle and badgers so the figures do not differentiate between the two species.
	The major effort on TB vaccine research, in relation to cattle and badgers, started in 1998, subsequent to the Krebs Report on Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers. The following table shows vaccine related research costs for the financial years 199899 to date.
	
		
		
			 Financial Year Vaccine related research cost 
		
		
			 199899 825,942 
			 19992000 1,352,204 
			 200001 1,415,287 
			 200102 1,505,887 
			 200203 1,495,314 
			 200304 1,618,819

Badgers/Bovine TB

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with pharmaceutical companies on the Government's efforts to identify a candidate vaccine for bovine TB.

Ben Bradshaw: There was input from the pharmaceutical industry into Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer's TB vaccine steering group and the Independent
	Scientific Group's Vaccine Scoping Study Sub-Committee, whose report is to be published shortly. Officials are also engaged with representatives of the animal medicine industry to discuss possibilities for Government/industry partnerships.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many bovine animals were compulsorily purchased and slaughtered as a result of TB infection between 1994 and 1998.

Ben Bradshaw: The number of cattle slaughtered in Great Britain as a result of TB infection between 1994 and 1998 is set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Cattle slaughtered(17) 
		
		
			 1994 2,773 
			 1995 3,451 
			 1996 3,881 
			 1997 3,760 
			 1998 6,083 
			 Total 19,948 
		
	
	(17) TB Reactors plus dangerous contacts. Veterinary OfficerAnimal Health 1998
	Source:
	The Report of the Chief

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many bovine animals have been compulsorily purchased and slaughtered as a result of TB infection since 1998.

Ben Bradshaw: The number of cattle slaughtered in Great Britain as a result of TB infection between 1999 and 2002 is set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Cattle slaughtered(18) 
		
		
			 1999 6,772 
			 2000 8,353 
			 2001 5,916 
			 2002 (19)22,886 
			 Total 43,927 
		
	
	(18) TB Reactors plus dangerous contacts. Source: The Report of the Chief Veterinary OfficerAnimal Health 2002
	(19) In 2001, the TB testing and control programme was largely suspended due to the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Since testing resumed in 2002, resources have been concentrated on herds with overdue TB tests which would have had a longer period in which to contract the disease. Also the proportion of high risk herds being tested post-FMD is greater than that prior to the outbreak. As a result, the number of TB reactors identified and slaughtered in 2002 is not comparable to those identified and slaughtered in previous years.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her recent decision to end badger culling as a means of countering TB in cattle.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 9 December 2003
	The Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISO) was appointed by Ministers in 1998 to design and oversee a large-scale field trial, the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), aimed at evaluating badger culling as a means to reduce the incidence of cattle TB. The trial involves three experimental treatments: (i) proactive culling, which aims to reduce badger densities to very low levels across entire trial areas, (ii) reactive culling, which seeks to remove only those badgers geographically close to recent cattle TB outbreaks on particular premises, and (iii) no culling (survey only).
	The ISG has advised Ministers that its interim analysis of trial data so far indicates that there has been a 27 per cent. increase in the number of cases of bovine TB (breakdowns) in cattle herds occurring in reactive culling areas compared to the related survey-only areas (where no badger culling took place). The culling of badgers in reactive treatment areas of the RBCT was suspended from 4 November, because of the risk that a further three months of culling would cause additional TB breakdowns.
	On the advice of the ISO, operations will continue in proactive areas because the data for these areas does not yet yield a statistically significant result. The survey-only (control) areas will also continue to be monitored.
	This is a significant step forward in the development of a strategy to control bovine TB. Although we have now effectively ruled out small-scale, reactive culling of badgers, it gives us and the industry a greater impetus to focus our attention on other measures, such as the development of an improved diagnostic test, improved biosecurity and husbandry, and the development of a vaccine.
	Full details available on Defra's website http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/culling/index.htm

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has undertaken on whether effective control of bovine TB can be achieved solely by means of herd bio-security and good animal husbandry.

Ben Bradshaw: An investigation, costing approximately 0.5 million, of potential badger/cattle interactions and how cattle husbandry methods may limit these is being funded by Defra. The final report will be published after the investigation ends in December 2005.
	A survey known as TB99 is under way and assesses potential risk factors that may predispose herds to TB outbreaks. The survey was delayed because of the foot and mouth disease outbreak but is back on course.
	Advice leaflets on the health and welfare of livestock are available from Defra's website. Important advice on preventative strategies for avoiding introduction of cattle diseases, such as bovine TB, can be found in the leaflets Golden Rules for a Healthy Herd and TB in CattleReducing the Risk.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice is given to farmers by her Department on bio-security measures aimed at preventing infection of cattle by TB.

Ben Bradshaw: Defra has produced a concise list of disease prevention measures (including the need to always know the health status of animals being bought or moved) in the form of a yellow card which was developed with livestock industry representatives and vets. It was sent to all livestock farmers in 2002, and is available on the Defra website.
	The Defra booklets TB in CattleReducing the Risk, Golden Rules for a Healthy Herd and Farm BiosecurityProtecting Herd Health, which contain guidance on disease control measures, are also available from the Animal Health Divisional Offices or on the Defra website.

Badgers/Bovine TB

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what effect delays in obtaining TB culture tests results have had on the reactive cull trial.

Ben Bradshaw: In the majority of cases TB infection would have been confirmed on gross pathology, in abattoirs, by the presence of visible lesions, so culture results are of significance in only the non-visible lesion cases which were positive to the tuberculin test. Delays in culture results will have contributed in part to delays in the notification process but administrative and logistical delays, including the no cull period, would have a greater significance.

Dairy Farming

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dairy cows there were in England in each of the past five years; and what the average size of dairy herds was in each year in (a) Cornwall and (b) Devon.

Ben Bradshaw: The information is in the table.
	
		Dairy Cows in Cornwall and Devon 19982002
		
			  Dairy Cows Holdings AverageHerd Size 
		
		
			 Devon CC
			 1998 160,039 2,396 67 
			 1999 163,242 2,278 72 
			 2000 154,707 2,151 73 
			 2001 138,789 1,843 75 
			 2002 144,148 1,798 80 
			 Plymouth
			 1998 659 6 110 
			 1999 664 6 111 
			 2000 (20) (20) (20) 
			 2001 (20) (20) (20) 
			 2002 (20) (20) (20) 
			 Torbay
			 1998 351   
			 1999 368   
			 2000 262   
			 2001 268   
			 2002 (20) (20) (20) 
			  Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 
			 1998 87,936 1,381 64 
			 1999 89,747 1,310 69 
			 2000 85,882 1,281 67 
			 2001 87,513 1,222 72 
			 2002 82,549 1,101 75 
		
	
	(20) Denotes that the data have been treated to avoid disclosure of information relating to individual holdings.
	Note:
	Figures for 1998 and 1999 show main holdings only, from 2000 onwards minor holdings are also included.
	Source:
	June Agricultural Census

Farm Subsidies (CAP)

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department has offered tenant farmers in respect of the extent to which the forthcoming single farm payments will be attributed to (a) the land and (b) the farming activity where decoupled payments will be made under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 1 December 2003
	Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme will be allocated to farmers, whether owner-occupiers or tenants, rather than to the land or particular farming activities. Farmers may then use any eligible land at their disposal in support of an annual claim for payment against their entitlements. Eligibility for the payment will not be dependent on any farming activity other than keeping all agricultural land on the claimant's holding in good agricultural and environmental condition.

Foot and Mouth

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will reconsider the payment of slaughter premium on adult bovines slaughtered on farm through the Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme during the foot and mouth outbreak because the farming businesses were subject to Form D movement restrictions.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 8 December 2003
	No. In deciding to make ex gratia payments equivalent to the Slaughter Premium entitlement, plus interest, on all adult cattle killed in abattoirs under the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme we have taken account of the eligibility conditions applicable to the payment of Slaughter Premium.

Large Combustion Plant Directive

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the basis was of her decision to recommend to the European Commission on 27 November a national plan rather than an emissions limit value approach on the Large Combustion Plant Directive.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 4 December 2003
	The Government's decision to submit a national plan to the Commission was in order to keep the option open. The Directive requires that any national plan is submitted to the European Commission by 27 November 2003. The Government considers that further analysis is required before taking a decision which implementation approach it is in the UK's interest to adopt. The UK can withdraw the plan if further analysis suggests that the emission limits approach is in the UK's best interest. A decision on whether to withdraw the national plan would be taken before spring 2004.

Large Combustion Plant Directive

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which of the two options under the Large Combustion Plant Directive other European countries have opted for; what discussions she has had with the Department of Trade and Industry on the option that fits most constructively with their energy policy; and what inquiries she has undertaken to determine the effects of implementing a national plan approach on UK energy jobs during the period in which further analysis on the two approaches is completed.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 4 December 2003
	In addition to the UK, Ireland have submitted a national plan to the European Commission, and that several other Member States are likely to submit national plans.
	Government decisions on implementing the Large Combustion Plants Directive (2001/80/EC) were reached following extensive contacts with all Departments having an interest in the issue. Both approaches are compatible with the Government's energy policy, but this is an area where we expect to undertake more analysis; for example, on issues surrounding security of supply.

Large Combustion Plant Directive

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the sensitivities associated with each option under the Large Combustion Plant Directive referred to in the press statement her Department issued on 27 November are; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Government have decided to look further into whether there is a different impact on the coal industry resulting from the emission limits approach to that from the national plan approach method of implementing the revised Large Combustion Plants Directive (2001/80/EC) for plants first licensed before July 1987. In addition there is a possible direct sensitivity to other policies, for example in connection with the UK's implementation of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, and the effect of the decision on the security of energy supplies.

Sea Birds

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what work her Department is doing to establish the size and distribution of offshore bird populations; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Seabirds at Sea survey is a part Government funded national survey under the JNCC management. The survey does not cover all our seas on an annual basis, but areas of our seas have been selected each year since 1979. In the main our knowledge of the distribution of bird populations in the offshore environment comes from species surveys, many of which have been done in response to development pressures and some of which have been part funded by the country conservation agencies.
	In addition to this work some information is gathered on both numbers and distribution around our coasts from the BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC Wetland Bird Survey, which is the part-government funded national scheme for counting waterbirds in the UK. This scheme relies on observers on land and therefore does not provide full coverage of birds that use the open sea.
	The JNCC and WWT are, within their partnership, currently developing a strategy for monitoring sea ducks, divers and grebes, and JNCC will present this to government as formal advice in 2004.

Sea Birds

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what work her Department is doing to establish the size and distribution of offshore populations of the common scoter; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Seabirds at Sea survey is a part Government funded national survey under the JNCC management. The survey does not cover all our seas on an annual basis, but areas of our seas have been selected each year since 1979. In the main our knowledge of the distribution of bird populations in the offshore environment comes from species surveys, many of which have been done in response to development pressures and some of which have been part funded by the country conservation agencies.
	In addition to this work some information is gathered on both numbers and distribution around our coasts from the BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC Wetland Bird Survey, which is the part-government funded national scheme for counting waterbirds in the UK. This scheme relies on observers on land and therefore does not provide full coverage of birds that use the open sea.
	The JNCC and WWT are, within their partnership, currently developing a strategy for monitoring sea ducks, divers and grebes, and JNCC will present this to government as formal advice in 2004.
	While there is no national scheme we do know that that the UK wintering population of common scoter is estimated to be 50,000 individuals (Kershaw and Cranswick. 2003. Biological Conservation 111: 91104) and those of other species can be found on the WWTs website at: http://www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default. asp?PubID=14
	The distributions of these birds can be found in the JNCC publication An Atlas of seabird distribution in north-west European waters (Stone et al. 1995).

Sea Birds

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress her Department is making in designating Shell Flat, Liverpool Bay as a special protection area; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Statutory Nature Conservation Agencies are currently verifying survey data for the common scoter population in the Liverpool Bay area, including Shell Flat. Once the data has been scientifically verified a site proposal will be submitted to this Department. English Nature would then undertake a full public consultation exercise before any Special Protection Area is classified.

Pet Pigs

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on licences for walking pet pigs; and what plans she has to bring forward legislation on such licences.

Ben Bradshaw: Pigs spread pig diseases rapidly. In order to track movements and reduce the potential for disease, pet pig walking licenses were introduced in 1995. The first legislation to require these licenses was the Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1995. The Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2003 continues to require these licences to be issued by the local Divisional Veterinary Manager.

Pet Pigs

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of pet pig walking licences issued; what the cost has been of issuing licences; and what plans she has to require the issue of licences for walking pet sheep.

Ben Bradshaw: Pet pig walking licences are issued as routine work by Defra Local Animal Health Divisional Offices. They allow Defra to minimise the risk of disease spreading from pet pigs to commercial herds. No central record is maintained. To obtain details of the licences issued would result in disproportionate costs.
	There are no plans to introduce legislation to require pet sheep walking licences.

Pharmaceutical Crops

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about proposals to test pharmaceutical crops in the UK.

Elliot Morley: We have received no such representations. Commercial testing of crops for pharmaceutical use is a matter for the industry. The relevant statutory safeguards would need to be complied with, for example in the cultivation of hemp and other similar crops for authorised purposes. There have been no proposals to release GM crops modified for the production of pharmaceutically active components.

Regulations (Consultation)

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of regulations introduced by the Department have been subject to a consultation period of less than 12 weeks since the introduction of the Code of Practice on Consultations.

Alun Michael: The Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation came into effect on 1 January 2001. In the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 Defra has published 141 consultations under the Code, of which 87 lasted for less than 12 weeks.

Wood for Good Campaign

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she plans to continue with funding of the Wood for Good campaign beyond the end of 2003; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Forestry Commission is planning to continue to support the wood for good campaign in 2004 through its funding partnership with UK and Nordic producers.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Big Conversation

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what visits (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department (i) have made and (ii) plan to make using public funds in connection with the Big Conversation; how many civil servants accompanied each Minister in respect of such visits; what the cost to public funds was of visits by (A) each Minister and (B) civil servants in connection with the Big Conversation; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Murphy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on 9 December 2003, Official Report, Vol. 415, column 355W.

Human Rights

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  if he will list the amendments made to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Action Plan as a result of proposals made by his staff;
	(2)  if he will place in the Library copies of e-mail exchanges between his office and the offices of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission that relate to the preparation of the Human Rights Commission Action Plan.

Paul Murphy: My officials met the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on 6 October and offered some general suggestions, in line with the Commission's independence, about ways in which the Commission might wish to consider strengthening the Action Plan in relation to communications, strategy and organisation. No particular amendments were requested either in discussion or by e-mail, since it was understood that the Action Plan would be the Commission's alone.

Human Rights

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provisions of the Paris Principles govern relations between his officials and members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Paul Murphy: The Northern Ireland Act 1998 governs relations between the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Nonetheless the Government believes relations between the two organisations are in line with the provisions of the Paris Principles.

Prison Officers

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings he has had with the Northern Ireland Prison Officers Association in relation to recent strike action by prison officers in Northern Ireland.

Paul Murphy: The lead in the matter of the strike action had been taken by the Minister of State, who had several meetings with the Prison Officers Association. I have been kept fully informed of events but have not been directly involved in meetings with the union representatives.

Saintfield Yarns

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance is being given to the former employees of Saintfield Yarns by government agencies to access (a) re-training and employment opportunities and (b) redundancy and benefits payments before the Christmas period.

Ian Pearson: Following notification of closure at Saintfield Yarns, the Department for Employment and Learning's Ballynahinch JobCentre offered to the company its job brokerage service and a full range of advisory services relating to training opportunities, redundancy payments and benefit entitlement. This took place over two days on the employer's premises and approximately 100 employees availed of the service. Representatives of the Social Security Agency, Invest NI, Enterprise Ulster, and local training organisations were also involved.
	In addition, representatives from Marks and Spencer and Antrim Carpets were available to discuss job opportunities and to distribute application forms.
	The Department has received 168 applications for Redundancy and Insolvency payments from former employees. These claims are being verified and processed and all eligible applicants are likely to receive a redundancy payment before Christmas. It is also anticipated that all claims for benefit will be processed within the same timescale.
	JobCentre staff are providing continuing support to all who require it.